7 JUL 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-9---saint-augustine-zhao-rong-and-companions-martyrs/ July 9: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and 119 Companions, Martyrs—Optional Memorial 1648–1930 Invoked for the people of China Canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 1, 2000 Liturgical Color: Red Quote: Today the Church is grateful to her Lord, who blesses her and bathes her in light with the radiant holiness of these sons and daughters of China. Is not the Holy Year the most appropriate moment to make their heroic witness shine resplendently? Young Ann Wang, a 14-year-old, withstood the threats of the torturers who invited her to apostatize. Ready for her beheading, she declared with a radiant face:  “The door of heaven is open to all,” three times murmuring:  “Jesus.” And 18-year-old Chi Zhuzi, cried out fearlessly to those who had just cut off his right arm and were preparing to flay him alive:  “Every piece of my flesh, every drop of my blood will tell you that I am Christian.” ~Canonization homily of Pope John Paul II Prayer: Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions, you gave your lives for the love of Christ, taking great risk to share the Good News. Your deaths planted seeds of faith that have grown in the hearts of many. Please pray for me, and also for the people of China, that the saving message of the Gospel will continue to be preached and that many hearts will respond with generosity and faith. Saint Augustine and Companions, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: Courtesy of the http://www.thehtm.org/, via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_Martirs.jpg

4 JUL 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-6---saint-maria-goretti-virgin-and-martyr/ July 6: Saint Maria Goretti, Virgin and Martyr—Optional Memorial 1890–1902 Patron Saint of young people (especially girls), rape victims, and the poor Invoked for the grace of mercy and forgiveness Canonized by Pope Pius XII on June 24, 1950 Liturgical Color: Red Quote: In the heroic testimony of the saint of Le Ferriere, her forgiveness of the man who killed her and her desire to be able to meet him one day in Heaven deserve special attention. This spiritual and social message is of extraordinary relevance in our time…The saint’s mother, for her part, pardoned him on behalf of the family in the hall of the tribunal where his trial was taking place. We do not know whether it was the mother who taught her daughter to forgive or the martyr’s forgiveness on her death-bed that determined her mother’s conduct. Yet it is certain that the spirit of forgiveness motivated relations within the whole Goretti family, and for this reason could be so naturally expressed by both the martyr and her mother. ~Saint John Paul II Prayer: Saint Maria Goretti, your merciful heart turned tragedy into triumph. You not only forgave your murderer, you also converted him by your love and prayers. Please pray for me, that I, too, will have a merciful heart and will forgive all who have harmed me, seeking only the salvation of their souls. Saint Maria Goretti, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MariaGoretti.jpg public domain

3 JUL 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-5---saint-anthony-zaccaria-priest/ July 5: Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest—Optional Memorial 1502–1539 Patron Saint of physicians Canonized by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1897 Liturgical Color: White Quote: Angel in human form, Angelic man, Founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, of the Angelic Sisters, And of other pious associations. Destroyer of vices, Guardian of chastity, Restorer of the service of God. Perfect laborer for the salvation of souls, Preacher of the Word of God, Faithful disciple of St. Paul, Indefatigable worker in the Vineyard of the Lord, Constant enemy of the world, of the flesh and of wickedness, Conqueror of Demons. Perfect image of the ardent charity of the Holy Ghost. Today a citizen of heaven. The city of Cremona, rejoicing and proud of the glory of its children, filled with admiration for its citizen now gone to join the Angels, erects this monument in token of eternal gratitude for his saintly life and heroic deeds. ~Inscription on a column in Cremona dedicated to Saint Anthony Prayer: Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, from a young age God entered your heart and filled you with a burning love for the poor, sick, imprisoned, and sinner. You worked tirelessly in fulfilling God’s mission to save souls. Please pray for me, that I will have the same zeal that you had so that God can use me to bring His saving message to others. Saint Anthony, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image featured via https://stock.adobe.com/images/turin-italy-march-15-2017-the-symbolic-fresco-of-the-adoration-of-holys-in-front-of-eucharist-in-church-chiesa-di-san-dalmazzo-by-enrico-reffo-1831-1917/197024392?prev_url=detail

2 JUL 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-4---saint-elizabeth-of-portugal/ July 4: Saint Elizabeth of Portugal—Optional Memorial (Celebrated July 5 in the USA) 1271–1336 Patron Saint of widows, brides, charity workers, those falsely accused, victims of adultery, and the Canary Islands, Spain Invoked against jealousy, war, and difficult marriages Canonized by Pope Urban VIII on June 24, 1625 Liturgical Color: White Quote: I, Elizabeth, daughter of the Most Illustrious Don Pedro, by the grace of God king of Aragon, hereby bestow my body as the legitimate wife of Dom Dinis, king of Portugal and of the Algarve, in his absence as if he were present…. ~From the written consent to marriage of Saint Elizabeth at the age of twelve Prayer: Saint Elizabeth, you were a queen in this world, but that royal dignity greatly paled in comparison to the saintly virtues you acquired. Please pray for me, that I will imitate your example and seek only those things that are eternal, rejecting the fleeting seductions of the world. May I learn from your life of prayer and charity, and discover the peace and joy that you did so that I will give eternal glory to God in Heaven. Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: Lawrence OP, https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/42289175345

2 JUL 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-4---independence-day---usa-optional-memorial/ July 4: Independence Day—USA Optional Memorial Quote: When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness… ~From the Declaration of Independence Prayer: Lord of all nations, You are the true King of all Kings and the Lord of all Lords. I choose You as my King and my God. As You come to govern my life, please use me to help establish peace and justice within our society, respecting the rights and dignity of all people, and enacting Your holy will in everything we do. May Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, now and until the end of time. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/hpebley3/3504265592

1 JUL 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-3---saint-thomas-the-apostle/ July 3: Saint Thomas the Apostle—Feast Died c. 72 Patron Saint of doubters, architects, blind people, builders, geometricians, masons, surveyors, and theologians Pre-Congregation canonization Liturgical Color: Red Quote: Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”  Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” ~https://biblia.com/bible/rsvce/John%2020.24%E2%80%9329 Prayer: Saint Thomas the Apostle, you became a faithful follower of Jesus. Though you struggled with an occasion of doubt, that struggle transformed you into a new man. Please pray for me, that every struggle and weakness I have will be eliminated and transformed so that God can use me to fulfill His holy and perfect will. Saint Thomas the Apostle, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Peter_Paul_Rubens_-_Martyrdom_of_St_Thomas.jpg

29 JUN 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/july-1---saint-junipero-serra-priest---usa-optional-memorial/ July 1: Saint Junípero Serra, Priest—USA Optional Memorial 1713–1784 Patron Saint of vocations, Hispanic-Americans, California Canonized by Pope Francis on September 23, 2015 Liturgical Color: White Quote: I am writing this letter in farewell, while we are getting ready to leave the city of Cádiz and embark for Mexico. The day fixed upon is unknown to me, but the trunks containing our baggage are locked and strapped, and they say that after two, three, or possibly four days, the ship called Villasota, in which we are to embark, will sail…Friend of my heart, on this occasion of my departure, words cannot express the feelings of affection that overwhelm me. I want to ask you again to do me the favor of consoling my parents, who, I know, are going through a great sorrow. I wish I could give them some of the happiness that is mine: and I feel that they would urge me to go ahead and never to turn back. Tell them that the dignity of Apostolic Preacher, especially when united with the actual duty, is the highest vocation they could have wished for me to follow… ~Letter of Saint Junípero Serra Prayer: Saint Junípero Serra, though you had a wonderful life in Spain, God spoke to your heart, calling you to leave everything behind and to bring the saving love of Christ to those who had never heard the Gospel. You responded with generosity and selfless courage. Please pray for me, that I will be open to all that God asks of me and will respond to God’s will with the same generosity and resolve as you did. Saint Junípero Serra, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/21464031169, Lawrence OP

28 JUN 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/june-30---first-martyrs-of-the-church-of-rome/ June 30: First Martyrs of the Church of Rome—Optional Memorial Died c. 64 Pre-Congregation canonizations Quote: At Rome, in the time of Nero, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who were accused of having set fire to the city, and cruelly put to death in various manners by the emperor’s order. Some were covered with the skins of wild beasts and lacerated by dogs; others were fastened to crosses, others again were delivered to the flames to serve as torches in the night. All these were disciples of the Apostles, and the first fruits of the martyrs, which the Roman Church, a field so fertile in martyrs, offered to God before the death of the Apostles. ~Roman Martyrology Prayer: Holy First Martyrs of Rome, you each endured much torment, hatred, and abuse, ultimately shedding your blood as the result of your deep courage and love of Christ. Please pray for me, that I may be counted among your numbers in Heaven by manifesting the same depth of love and courage that you did. First Martyrs of Rome, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: Henryk Siemiradzki, Public domain, via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Siemiradski_Fackeln.jpg

27 JUN 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/june-29---saints-peter-and-paul-apostles--solemnity/ June 29: Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles—Solemnity Saint Peter: c. 1–c. 64 Patron Saint of Rome, bakers, brickmakers, masons, bridge-builders, butchers, clockmakers, cobblers, fishermen, harvesters, watchmakers, locksmiths, netmakers, the papacy, and the Universal Church Invoked against feet problems, fevers, and frenzy Saint Paul: c. 3–c. 64 Patron Saint of Rome, evangelists, theologians, musicians, public relations personnel, writers, publishers, and reporters; rope-, saddle-, and tentmakers; Gentiles; Cursillo movement; and Catholic Action Invoked against snakes and hailstorms Pre-Congregation canonizations Quote: Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith. ~Saint Augustine of Hippo Prayer: Saints Peter and Paul, once Christ called you, you responded with total abandonment to His holy will. Through you, the Church was founded and began to grow. Please pray for me, that I will fully devote myself to the ongoing mission of the Church, so that God can use me according to His holy will. Saints Peter and Paul, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: Giuseppe Cesari, Public domain, via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cavalier_d'Arpino_-_Madonna_and_Child_with_Sts._Peter_and_Paul_-_WGA04700.jpg

26 JUN 2024 · https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/june-28---saint-irenaeus-bishop-and-martyr/ June 28: Saint Irenaeus, Bishop and Martyr—Memorial c. 135–c. 202 Patron Saint of those who work for the unity of the Eastern and Western Churches Invoked against Christological heresies, and by apologists and catechists Pre-Congregation canonization Declared a Doctor of the Church (Doctor of Unity) by Pope Francis in 2022 Liturgical Color: Red Quote: For the glory of God is a man fully alive; and the life of man consists in beholding God. For if the manifestation of God, which is made by means of the creation, affords life to all living in the earth, much more does that revelation of the Father which comes through the Word, give life to those who see God. ~Saint Irenaeus, Against Heresies 4.20.7 Prayer: Saint Irenaeus, you were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and you allowed that inspiration to guide you in your pastoral ministry, in which you led the Church away from error and into a deeper understanding of the Truth. Please pray for me, that I will never deviate from the truths handed down throughout the ages, beginning with the Scriptures and continuing today. May I always remain faithful as you were faithful so that I will come to a full knowledge of the full Truth given to us by God. Saint Irenaeus, pray for me. Jesus, I trust in You. Source of content: https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year Copyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed. Image: Lucien Bégule, Public domain, via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saint_irenee_saint_irenee.jpg