January Feasts and Celebrations
The Pope's prayer intention for January is for the right to an education for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war. The prayer asks that their right to education be respected so that they can build a better world.
JANUARY 1
SOLEMNITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Today we celebrate Mary, Mother of God and the important role she plays in the incarnation of Jesus. Mary’s role places her in a unique position in God’s redemptive plan. Today is a day of prayer for world peace. We pray to Mary, mother of the Prince of Peace.
JANUARY 2
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZEN, BISHOPS AND DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH
Saint Basil decided to begin a religious life of gospel poverty. After his studies of various modes of religious life, he founded what was believed to be the first monastery in Asia Minor. He was ordained a priest and later became archbishop. When Arianism, or denial of the divinity of Christ was at its height, he strived to unite Catholics who were torn by internal disagreement. As a result, he was misunderstood and accused of heresy.
Saint Basil was known as a great orator and teacher of the Church. The Council of Chalcedon described him as “the great Basil, minister of grace who has expounded the truth to the whole earth.”
JANUARY 4
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON, RELIGIOUS
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first native born saint and keystone of the American Catholic Church. She founded the Sisters of Charity and opened the first American parish school and the first American Catholic orphanage. Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton witnessed Catholicity in action through family friends. When she became Catholic, her family and friends rejected her. She suffered great trials of sickness, misunderstanding, and death of loved ones in her life.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton was beatified in 1963 and then canonized in 1975. She is buried in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
JANUARY 5
THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
This feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. The word “epiphany” comes from the Greek word meaning “manifestation”. This feast allows us to truly comprehend what it means that God brought His only Soon into our world. Through Jesus, God was physically present on Earth.
The Wise Men – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar paid homage to Jesus, showering Him with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These Magi followed the star to Bethlehem, trusting God to lead them to Jesus, His Son. The Epiphany signifies an invitation to anyone and everyone to follow Christ.
JANUARY 12
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
This feast day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It signifies the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, confirming His identity as the Son of God.
Jesus’ baptism displays the Trinity at the same time. Jesus, the Son being baptized, The Holy Spirit descending, and God the Father speaking from the heavens. By choosing to be baptized, Jesus fulfilled all righteousness – preparing Himself to be a perfect sacrifice for us.
JANUARY 17
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANTHONY, ABBOT
Saint Anthony gave away his large inheritance at age 20 and spent most of his life in solitude. He was dedicated to the Church and to prayer. He drew many people to himself for spiritual healing and guidance. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of butchers, gravediggers, and skin diseases.
JANUARY 21
MEMORIAL OF SAINT AGNES VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Saint Agnes was one of the youngest and most famous of the early Roman martyrs. It is believed that she was a beautiful young girl whom many wanted to marry. One of those she refused, reported her to authorities for being a Christian. As a result, she was arrested and confined to a house of prostitution. Legend has it a man who looked lustfully at her lost his sight and regained it by her prayer.
Saint Agnes was condemned and executed. She was buried near Rome. The daughter of Constantine built a basilica in her honor.
JANUARY 22
DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN
Today is a day of prayer and penance to ask for the legal right to life be restored. This means repenting abortion. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in all 50 states with Roe v. Wade decision. In 2022, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but abortion is still legal in most U.S. states.
On this day, we can attend Mass, fast, pray, or volunteer an act of kindness to someone.
JANUARY 24
MEMORIAL OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Francis de Sales studied law but was destined for the priesthood. He was ordained and elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva, then a center for Calvinists. Saint Francis de Sales demonstrated special talents in preaching and in serving the poor and sick. He became Bishop of Geneva when he was thirty-five years old. Saint Francis de Sales has been named patron of the Catholic press, authors, journalists, writers, and deafness.
JANAURY 25
FEAST OF THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL, APOSTLE
Saint Paul is remembered for his dramatic conversion experience as he encountered Jesus on the Road to Damascus. He had hatred for all Jesus stood for and began to harass the Church. He became a slave of Christ in the ministry of reconciliation, helping people experience God. He devoted his life to living out the message of the cross.
JANUARY 28
MEMORIAL OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Thomas Aquinas is the leading advocate of the Catholic tradition, blending reason and divine revelation. As one of the most influential teachers of the medieval Church, he is venerated with the titles Doctor of the Church and Angelic Doctor. Abandoning his family’s plan for him, Saint Thomas Aquinas joined the Dominicans. His greatest contribution to the Catholic Church was his writings. He is the patron saint of Catholic colleges and universities, educators, teachers, philosophers, theologians, and students.
JANUARY 31
MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO, PRIEST
Saint John Bosco emphasized the regular reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion. By blending catechetical instruction with parental guidance, he aimed to integrate spiritual life with all aspects of daily living—work, study, and leisure.
Saint John Bosco was ordained a priest in 1841. He was of service to young people, helping young apprentices, teaching them catechism as well as opening the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales for boys. Saint John Bosco founded the Salesians in 1859. Their activity concentrated on education and mission work. Later, he organized a group of Salesian Sisters to assist girls. He is the patron saint of boys, editors, educators, teachers, and youth.
