Seasons and Feast Days

Jul

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Patron Saint of the Carmelites, Chile, Bolivia, Protection From Danger, and For Deliverance From Purgatory

While Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the patron saint of the Carmelite Order, the basis for the universal Church honoring Mary under this title dates to her appearance to an English Carmelite St. Simon Stock in the 13th century. She gave him the Brown Scapular, a garment worn by religious over the neck and shoulders as an apron, to be worn by Carmelites “as a sign of her protection.” It is a Marian devotional practice which, over the centuries, has spread to Catholics around the world.

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Jul

St. Mary Magdalene

Patron Saint of Repentant Sinners, Hairdressers, Perfumeries, Contemplative Life

The Church celebrates St. Mary Magdalene because of her example of virtue and loyalty to Christ. She was a devoted disciple and close friend of Jesus during the time of His ministry, and one of the few who remained with Him during His agony on the Cross. Finally, she was one of the three women who went to anoint His body in the tomb on Easter morning, becoming the first person to announce the Resurrection to others, when she went and told the Apostles that He had risen.

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Jul

St. James the Greater

Patron Saint of Spain, Galicia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Seattle, Veterinarians, Pharmacists

St. James was one of Jesus’ first Apostles. Like all the Apostles, the Church gratefully celebrates his unique role in the Redemption. Not only did the Apostles continue the Lord’s mission in their own day, but by communicating their apostolic office to others they ensured its perpetuation down the ages until the Lord returns (Luke 6:48-49, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Ephesians 2:19-20, Revelation 21:14).

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Aug

St. Mary Major

Patron Saint of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

The Basilica of St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) is one of the Church’s four major basilicas. The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major is an optional memorial that the Church celebrates each year on August 5.

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