SEBECHLEBY, SLOVAKIA - JANUARY 6, 2015: The Heart of Virgin Mary. Typical catholic image printed in Germany from the end of 19. cent. originally by unknown painter.
By Robyn Bruggeman
August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a devotion that draws us into the interior life of our Blessed Mother and her perfect love for God.
The heart has long been understood as the center of a person—the place of love, desire, surrender and devotion. Mary’s Immaculate Heart represents her complete openness to God’s will, her deep union with Christ, and her tender maternal love for each of us. Throughout her life, Mary pondered the mysteries of God in her heart, treasured his promises and remained faithful through both the joys and sorrows of life. Her heart was pierced at the foot of the Cross, yet it never ceased to trust in God’s plan.
When the Church dedicates August to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, she invites us to learn from Mary’s example: to treasure Christ in our hearts, to trust God more fully and to say “yes” to his will in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. Mary’s heart always points us to her son. True devotion to Mary never ends with Mary—it always leads us more deeply into a relationship with Jesus.
As you read through this month’s featured feast days, consider choosing just one or two ideas that fit your family’s season of life. The goal is not perfection but participation. Even the smallest observance can become a meaningful memory and an opportunity to grow closer to Christ.
Celebrating the feast days throughout August
Aug. 6 – The Transfiguration of the Lord
What we celebrate
On Mount Tabor, Jesus revealed his divine glory to Peter, James and John. For a brief moment, the veil was lifted, and the disciples saw Christ as he truly is—radiant, glorious and fully God. The Transfiguration reminds us that beyond the crosses and struggles of this life, glory awaits those who follow him.
How to live it LITurgically
Read the Gospel account of the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8).
Go on a family hike or spend time on a hilltop or high place, remembering Jesus on the mountain. Pitch a tent, even in your back yard.
Have leftovers in the fridge? “Transfigure” them into something new for dinner.
Make homemade whipped topping (or buy some) for dessert to symbolize Christ’s radiant glory.
Ponder, pray and talk with your family about heaven and make it your mission to get each other there.
Aug. 10 – St. Lawrence, patron saint of cooks and comedians
What we celebrate
St. Lawrence was a deacon of the church in Rome who courageously served the poor and protected the church’s treasures. When Roman authorities demanded the church’s riches, Lawrence presented the poor and declared, “These are the treasures of the Church.” He was eventually martyred on a gridiron. According to tradition, during his martyrdom, he humorously remarked, “Turn me over; I’m done on this side!”
How to live it LITurgically
Have a family BBQ or grill-out in honor of St. Lawrence’s famous quote and tell some good clean jokes.
Invite friends, neighbors or someone who may be lonely to join you.
Talk about who the “treasures” of the Church are—the poor, the vulnerable and every child of God.
Make a special collection for a local charity or family in need.
Pray for the courage to serve Christ with joy, even when life is difficult.
Aug. 14 – St. Maximilian Kolbe, patron saint for families
What we celebrate
St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Franciscan priest who had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. During World War II, he voluntarily gave his life in place of a husband and father imprisoned in the concentration camp of Auschwitz. His heroic sacrifice reflects Christ’s own words: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13).
How to live it LITurgically
Serve Colby Jack cheese and affectionately call it “Kolbe Jack” cheese.
Talk about sacrificial love and what it means to put others before ourselves.
Read a short biography of St. Maximilian Kolbe as a family or watch “Triumph of the Heart” (for older kids and adults).
Pray a decade of the rosary together, honoring his great love for Mary.
Look for one practical way to sacrifice for another family member this week.
Aug. 15 – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
What we celebrate
The Church celebrates Mary’s assumption into heaven, body and soul. Having completed her earthly life, our Blessed Mother was taken into heavenly glory. This feast reminds us of the dignity of the human body and the hope of heaven promised to all who remain faithful to Christ.
How to live it LITurgically
Attend Mass for this holy day of obligation.
Crown a statue or image of Mary with flowers.
(We celebrate the Queenship of Mary on Aug. 22, so keep the flowers by Mary all month.)
Decorate the dinner table with blue, white and gold (colors associated with our Blessed Mother).
Pray the Rosary as a family.
Make “assumption bundles”: Tied bunches of fresh herbs, flowers and grains that Catholics traditionally would bring to church on Aug. 15 to be blessed by a priest on the Feast of the Assumption. Share bundles with friends.
Read Mary’s Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55) together.
Aug. 27-28 – Sts. Monica and Augustine
What we celebrate
St. Monica is the patron saint for mothers, hard marriages, alcoholics and praying for relatives. St. Augustine is the patron saint for printers, brewers and theologians. The feasts of St. Monica and her son St. Augustine of Hippo beautifully belong together. Monica spent years praying, fasting and weeping for the conversion of her son. Through her faithful perseverance and God’s grace, Augustine eventually became one of the greatest saints and theologians in Church history.
Together, they remind us that persistent prayer bears fruit—even when we cannot yet see it.
How to live it LITurgically
Pray for children, grandchildren, spouses, family members and loved ones who have wandered from the faith.
Begin or renew a prayer list for those you are spiritually “waiting on.”
A ministry called “Millions of Monicas” exists to walk alongside mamas praying their children back to the faith. Our diocese has a group.
One of Augustine’s famous quotes: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”
Offer a Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet for conversions.
Write down a prayer intention and place it beneath a statue of Mary or in a family prayer basket, entrusting our loved ones to our Blessed Mother.
