MAY 2025 Feasts and Celebrations
MAY 1
SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER
Today we celebrate the man who spent hours at his workbench. We are reminded of Joseph, who used his skill as a carpenter to provide for his family and who passed along the same skills to Jesus.
This feast day was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955. It celebrates the dignity of human work as a participation in the creative work of God.
MAY 2
SAINT ATHANASIUS, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
As Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, Saint Athanasius suffered numerous exiles because of his fight against Arianism, the teaching by Arius that Jesus was not truly divine. During a period of his life, he enjoyed ten years of relative peace where he read, wrote, and promoted Christian life, specifically of the monastic ideal. Among his writings was the Life of St. Anthony, which was not only popular but led to the establishment of monastic life throughout the Western Christian world.
MAY 3
SAINTS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES
Saints Philip and James were the Apostles of Jesus.
Saint Philip was called directly by Jesus. At the Last Supper, he pleaded for Jesus to show him the Father. He also questioned and was concerned at the feeding of five thousand.
Saint James is more of a mystery. Following Jesus’ death, he was highly respected by the Jewish community in Jerusalem.
It is believed both Saints Philip and James died a martyr’s death.
MAY 10
SAINT JOHN OF AVILA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint John of Avila was a diocesan priest who cared for the poor and became a missionary. He earned a reputation as a preacher, spiritual director, and confessor. He worked with the Society of Jesus. Saint John of Avila died in 1569, was canonized in 70, and named a doctor of the church in 2012. His writings have been translated into many languages.
MAY 11
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS / MOTHER’S DAY
Happy Mother’s Day! Today we celebrate the mother of God, Mary, our own mothers, and those in motherly roles. We acknowledge their maternal love and dedication to their families and loved ones.
May we pray also today for vocations to religious life, martial life, single life, and priesthood. Each of these ways of life is a calling from God.
MAY 12
SAINT NERELUS AND ARCHILLEUS, MARTYRS
As Roman soldiers and members of the Praetorian Guard, Saints Nereus and Archilleus converted to Christianity. We celebrate their feast day today as they abandoned their pagan military duties for Christianity. They were martyred for their faith.
MAY 13
OUR LADY OF FATIMA
Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children–Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia dos Santos–received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria near Fatima. Mary appeared to them and asked them to pray the rosary, pray for the end of World War I, for the sinners, and the conversion of Russia. Mary also gave the children three secrets – devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a vision of hell, and the assassination attempt of Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981. The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930 and was added to the Church’s worldwide calendar in 2002.
MAY 14
SAINT MATTHIAS, APOSTLE
Saint Matthias replaced the betrayer, Judas, as one of Jesus’ Apostles. He was chosen as he accompanied the Apostles throughout Jesus’ life, from His baptism until His death and resurrection.
MAY 15
SAINT ISADORE
Saint Isadore is the patron saint of farmers. He was a hard worker and had strong religious instincts. Saint Isadore, along with his wife, Maria de la Cabeza, also a saint, is known for their love and generosity for the poor. He died on May 15, 1130 and was canonized in 1622.
MAY 20
SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA, PRIEST
Saint Bernardine of Siena was a great preacher who entered the Franciscan order at the age of 22. For almost a dozen years, he lived in solitude and prayer. Saint Bernardine was devoted to the Holy Name of Jesus and strongly emphasized scholarship and study of theology and canon law.
MAY 21
SAINT CRISTÓBAL MAGALLANES JARA
Following his ordination, Saint Cristóbal Magallanes Jara served in his hometown, organized catechetical centers, founded an orphanage, helped the poor, and encouraged devotion to the rosary. During 1924-1928, He and the other priests were forced to minister secretly to Catholics during the presidency of Plutarco Calles. He along with others was beatified in 1992 and canonized eight years later.
MAY 22
SAINT RITA OF CASCA, RELIGIOUS
Saint Rita of Casca desired to be a nun but was married at the wishes of her parents. After her husband was killed and her sons died, she tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. She was unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, but was eventually accepted. St. Rita was prayerful and charitable. She developed wounds on her forehead, quickly associated with Christ’s wounds from His crown of thorns. St. Rita meditated on the Lord’s passion, cared for sick nuns, and counseled lay people who visited her monastery. She was beatified in 1626 and canonized in 1900. St. Rita acquired the reputation of the saint of impossible cases.
MAY 26
SAINT PHILIP NERI, PRIEST
Saint Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy and the city of Rome. He brought happiness and humor to others through his teachings. He was a priest and founder of the Oratory way of life.
MAY 27
SAINT AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY, BISHOP
Saint Augustine is known as being the first Archbishop of Canterbury as well as leading the Benedictine mission that re-established Christianity in England in the late 6th century. He had a profound impact on Christian theology and philosophy through his writings, teachings of sin, grace, and free will.
MAY 29
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord celebrates the Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven on the 40th day following His Resurrection. The observance in most dioceses in the United States celebrates the following Sunday, known as the Seventh Sunday of Easter. For Christians, the meaning of the Ascension stems from their belief in Jesus’ glorification and elevation following His death and Resurrection, as well as the theme of His return to God the Father. It is the ultimate proof of Jesus’ power over death, initiating His authority over heaven and earth as the Living King. It marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain. Jesus Christ precedes us to God, so that we may live in hope of one day being with Him forever.
At Mass, we recount Jesus’ appearance to His disciples and teachings about the Kingdom of God. He instructs them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit to come to them and be the source of wisdom. Jesus promises that through the Holy Spirit, His presence will be with them always. With His Ascension into heaven, Jesus commissions His disciples to go out into the word and evangelize and share the message of Jesus Christ. We, like the disciples, are called to share His good news with others, with the Holy Spirit guiding us along the way.
The Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord is an opportunity for self-reflection on our own personal journey. We can expand our knowledge about the Christian faith and traditions to keep the Lord close in our hearts.
SAINT PAUL VI, POPE
Saint Paul VI is known for presiding over and implementing the Second Vatican Council. Known for his extensive travel as a “Pilgrim of Hope”, he stood for social justice and evangelization.
MAY 31
THE VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary recalls the Virgin Mary’s visit to her cousin, Elizabeth. The meeting of these two women was a joyous and one-of-a-kind occasion. This was the first time Mary publicly exercised her role as Mediator of the Son of God. Mary generously accepted to mediate the Incarnation. During the visit, Jesus’ presence in Mary’s womb radiated outward to Elizabeth and her child, Jesus’ cousin John, leaped for joy inside his mother. Elizabeth reacted with graceful words to Mary, “Blessed are you among women, and Blessed is the fruit of thy womb.” The Visitation is one of the sources of the prayer of the Hail Mary.
