July 2025 Feasts and Celebrations
JULY 1
SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA, PRIEST
At the age of 35, Saint Junipero Serra, a native of Spain’s island of Mallorca, followed his yearning to convert native people in the New World. He founded nine of the 21 California missions. Saint Junipero Serra was praised by the Catholic Church for his missionary zeal and canonized as a saint in 2015. He brought the Native Americans the gift of faith and a decent standard of living, winning their love. Saint Junipero Serra was beatified in 1988 and canonized by Pope Francis during the Pope’s 2015 visit to Washington, D.C.
JULY 3
FEAST OF ST. THOMAS, APOSTLE
St. Thomas, one of the Twelve Apostles, is best known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw and touched His wounds, leading to his powerful confession of faith: “My Lord and my God!” Tradition says he traveled to India, preached the Gospel, and was eventually martyred there. He is the patron saint of India, architects, and those who struggle with doubt. This feast day also marks the early Church’s transfer of his relics to Edessa. His story invites reflection on the journey from doubt to deep belief.
JULY 5
SAINT ANTHONY ZACCARIA, PRIEST
Saint Anthony Zaccaria was an Italian priest, physician, and reformer during the early years of the Catholic Reformation. He founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, also known as the Barnabites, to revive the spiritual life of the Church and encourage deeper devotion among the laity. He promoted frequent reception of the Eucharist. Despite dying young at age 36, his influence spread throughout Italy. He was canonized in 1897.
JULY 9
SAINT AUGUSTINE ZHAO RONG, PRIEST, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
Saint Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese soldier who converted to Christianity after escorting a missionary to his execution. Inspired by the missionary’s faith, he was baptized and later became a Catholic priest. During a wave of anti-Christian persecution in China, he was arrested and tortured for his faith. He was martyred in 1815, remaining steadfast in his belief in Christ. Saint Augustine Zhao Rong was canonized in 2000 as one of the 120 Martyrs of China.
JULY 11
MEMORIAL OF SAINT BENEDICT, ABBOT
Saint Benedict was born in Italy and withdrew to monasticism early in his life. He built what became known as Monte Cassino, one of the most famous monasteries. There, monks would follow a life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labor, and live together in community under a common abbot, or father. Saint Benedict’s influence helped preserve learning and Christian culture during the early Middle Ages.
JULY 14
MEMORIAL OF SAINT KATERI TEKAKWITHA, VIRGIN
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha was a Native American from the Mohawk tribe who converted to Christianity in the 17th century after being inspired by Jesuit missionaries. Despite facing persecution and hardship from her community, she remained devoted to Christ and took a vow of virginity. Known as the “Lily of the Mohawks,” she led a life of prayer, penance, and care for others. St. Kateri was canonized in 2012 and is the first Native American saint in the Catholic Church.
JULY 15
MEMORIAL OF SAINT BONAVENTURE
BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Bonaventure was a 13th-century Franciscan bishop and theologian, known as the “Seraphic Doctor” for his deep spiritual insight. Bonaventure helped shape the Franciscan Order and was a key figure at the Council of Lyons. He combined philosophy and theology, emphasizing the union of faith and reason. Saint Bonaventure was canonized in 1482 and later declared a Doctor of the Church.
JULY 16
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as the patroness of the Carmelite Order, which began on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land during the 12th century. Mary is believed to have appeared to St. Simon Stock in 1251, giving him the Brown Scapular as a sign of her protection. The feast highlights Mary’s role as a spiritual mother and model of contemplation and faith. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel emphasizes prayer, humility, and trust in God.
JULY 18
SAINT CAMILLUS DE LELLIS, PRIEST
Saint Camillus de Lellis is the patron saint of the sick, hospitals, nurses, and healthcare workers. After a wild youth and a conversion experience, he dedicated his life to caring for the sick. He founded the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (the Camillians), who took a special vow to serve the sick, even at risk to their own lives. Camillus emphasized treating patients with compassion and dignity, seeing Christ in the suffering.
JULY 21
SAINT LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Lawrence of Brindisi was a Capuchin Franciscan priest known for his powerful preaching and deep theological knowledge. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Hebrew and Greek, which helped him in preaching and defending the faith. Lawrence served as a missionary, diplomat, and military chaplain, even helping to negotiate peace and inspire Christian armies. His writings, especially on Scripture and theology, earned him the title of Doctor of the Church in 1959.
JULY 22
FEAST OF SAINT MARY MAGDALENE
Saint Mary Magdalene was a close follower of Jesus and is often called the “Apostle to the Apostles” because she was the first to witness and proclaim His Resurrection. Once healed by Jesus, she became a devoted disciple and remained with Him through His crucifixion and burial. Her feast was elevated to the level of a liturgical feast in 2016 to recognize her important role in the Church. Mary Magdalene is a powerful example of conversion, faithfulness, and evangelization.
JULY 23
SAINT BRIDGET, RELIGIOUS
Saint Bridget of Sweden was a noblewoman, mystic, and founder of the Bridgettine Order. After raising eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden, she devoted her life to prayer and service following her husband’s death. She received many visions of Christ’s Passion, which she recorded in her writings. Saint Bridget worked for Church reform.
JULY 24
SAINT SHARBEL MAKHLUF, PRIEST
Saint Sharbel Makhluf was a Maronite Catholic monk and priest from Lebanon known for his deep holiness and devotion to the Eucharist. He lived as a hermit for many years, dedicating his life to prayer, silence, and sacrifice. After his death, many people reported miraculous healings through his intercession.
JULY 25
FEAST OF JAMES, APOSTLE
Saint James the Greater was one of Christ’s Twelve Apostles and the brother of John the Evangelist. He witnessed key events like the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden. Saint James was the first apostle to be martyred, killed by the sword in Jerusalem around 44 A.D.
JULY 26
MEMORIAL OF SAINTS JOACHIM AND ANNE
PARENTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Saints Joachim and Anne are the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ. They are honored for their faithful and loving upbringing of Mary, preparing her for her special role as the Mother of God. Though their story is not found in the Bible, it comes from early Christian tradition and devotion.
JULY 29
MEMORIAL OF SAINT MARTHA, MARY, AND LAZARUS
Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were siblings and close friends of Jesus. They appear in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John. Martha is known for her hospitality, Mary for her attentive listening to Jesus, and Lazarus for being raised from the dead by Jesus. Their story highlights different ways of responding to Christ—with service, contemplation, and faith. The memorial honors their example of devotion and friendship with Jesus.
JULY 30
SAINT PETER CHRYSOLOGUS, BISHOP
Saint Peter Chrysologus was a 5th-century bishop and renowned preacher known as the “Golden Word” for his powerful and clear sermons. He served as the Bishop of Ravenna and was admired for his ability to explain complex theology in simple terms. Saint Peter Chrysologus played an important role in defending the Church against heresies of his time.
JULY 31
MEMORIAL OF SAINT IGNATIUS LOYOLA, PRIEST
Saint Ignatius Loyola was a Spanish soldier who became a priest and founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), a religious order focused on education, missionary work, and spiritual growth. Saint Ignatius is famous for writing the Spiritual Exercises, a guide for prayer and meditation. His life inspired many to deepen their faith and serve the Church with dedication.
