By Robyn Bruggeman
July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus—a month inviting us to reflect on Christ’s sacrificial love, mercy and redemption poured out on the cross for our salvation and most present to us at Holy Communion.
July has such a beautiful “summer sanctuary” feel to it: slower rhythms, family gatherings, gardens, pilgrimages and feasts that invite us deeper into prayer and the sacredness of ordinary life and Ordinary Time.
July 6 – St. Maria Goretti
What we celebrate
St. Maria Goretti was a young Italian saint known for her purity, courage and incredible forgiveness. At only 11 years old, she became a witness to radical mercy by forgiving the man who attacked her before she died. Her life reminds us that holiness is possible at every age and that mercy transforms hearts.
How to live it LITurgically
Read her story together as a family.
Pray for purity, forgiveness and mercy.
Serve Italian food or garden-inspired summer dishes.
Plant flowers outside and reflect on virtue and beauty.
Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Talk about what it means to forgive as Christ forgives.
July 11 – St. Benedict
What we celebrate
St. Benedict is the father of Western monasticism and is known for creating a rule of life centered on prayer, work, balance and peace. His wisdom offers profound inspiration for creating homes rooted in order and rhythms of prayer. Think ora et labora, a Latin phrase for “pray and work.” At its heart, ora et labora is about living a balanced, ordered life where prayer is woven naturally into the work and responsibilities of daily life. St. Benedict believed that both prayer and work could glorify God when done with love, humility and intentionality.
How to live it LITurgically
Listen to (or watch) the Living LIT podcast about St. Benedict and creating your own family “Rule of Life” (LivingLIT.org).
Create a simple family rhythm or rule of life.
Focus intentionally on prayer, work and rest.
Pray for peace within your home and family.
Look up the meaning behind a St. Benedict medal.
Make (or decorate) a pizza to represent a St. Benedict medal (pics and how-to on Living LIT).
July 16 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
What we celebrate
This Marian feast honors Our Lady’s loving protection and her invitation to draw closer to Jesus through prayer and devotion. The Brown Scapular is closely associated with this feast and reminds us of Mary’s motherly care.
How to live it LITurgically
Pray the Rosary together.
Learn about the Brown Scapular (perhaps Our Lord will invite you to wear one).
Make a caramel dessert or treats.
Read about Carmelite saints (St. Therese of Lisieux is a good one).
Visit the Carmelite Monastery in Alexandria (pilgrimage).
Spend quiet time in prayer with Our Lady.
July 26 – Sts. Anne and Joachim
What we celebrate
Sts. Anne and Joachim are the grandparents of Jesus and the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Their feast is a beautiful celebration of family, generational faith and the important role grandparents play in passing on the faith. (This is Catholic Grandparents Day!) Sts. Anne and Joachim are the patron saints of grandparents, marriage and family life.
How to live it LITurgically
Invite grandparents over or make a special phone call to them (or Facetime).
Pray for your family tree and future generations.
Look through old family photographs.
Cook a treasured family recipe.
Share stories of faith passed down through your family.
Write notes of gratitude to grandparents or spiritual mentors.
July 31 – St. Ignatius of Loyola
What we celebrate
Founder of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius of Loyola is known for helping people encounter God personally through prayer, discernment and learning to “find God in all things.” He helped people learn how to discern God’s voice and presence in their daily lives. Through his famous “Rules for Discernment,”
he taught that God is always at work in our hearts, guiding and drawing us closer to him. He is also known for the phrase AMDG (ad majorem dei gloriam) meaning “For the greater glory of God,” reminding us that even ordinary moments can be offered to God with great love.
How to live it LITurgically
Practice a simple family examen before bed
(or on your own).
Talk about where you noticed God throughout the day.
Write AMDG somewhere visible in your home (or at work).
Spend time in silence listening for God.
Pray for discernment and openness to God’s will.
Listen to the Living LIT podcast on St. Ignatian Spirituality.
Honorable mentions for July
St. Thomas the Apostle – July 3
St. Giorgio Frassati – July 4
Sts. Zelie and Louie Martin – July 12
St. Kateri Tekakwitha – July 14
St. Mary Magdalene – July 22
St. James the Great – July 25
St. Martha – July 29
These feast day ideas are simply gentle invitations to help bring the beauty and rhythm of our faith into your home. Pick and choose the celebrations that fit your season, your family and your life, remembering that liturgical living is meant to be special, not stressful.
For more liturgical and domestic church living encouragement, visit LivingLIT.org and also tune into the Living LIT Podcast, available wherever you find your podcasts.
