On December 21st, as Christmas Day fast approaches, we celebrate one more commemoration of a saint, the Feast of St. Thomas. We often know St. Thomas, one of Jesusโ twelve apostles, as โDoubting Thomasโ for questioning Jesusโ resurrection after the other disciples told him about it. Tradition holds that he is the only apostle who…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of Christ the King
On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Christians worldwide celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. This relatively recent addition to the Church calendar, established in the 20th century, holds a profound purposeโto acknowledge the dominion of our king, Jesus Christ, over all of creation and every aspect of our lives. We understand the…
The Liturgical Home: All Saints’ Day
Halloween is almost here! I doubt this is news to you. The stores have been filled with hanging witches and zombies for weeks, and nowhere is Halloween on fuller display than in neighborhood yards. Driving through my momโs neighborhood yesterday, I passed by ghosts hanging from trees and gravestones placed in the grass. There was…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Simon & St. Jude
As the Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude approaches on October 28th, the Church anticipates a unique celebration that honors not one but two remarkable saints and apostles. The Church commemorates them together due to ancient Christian traditions and writings that suggest their collaboration in spreading the Gospel and a shared martyrdom in distant…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. James of Jerusalem
On October 23rd, Christians worldwide celebrate the Feast of St. James of Jerusalem, also known as James the Just or James, the Brother of the Lord (more on that later). St. James of Jerusalem was a remarkable leader and writer of the early Christian Church. His wisdom, character, and contributions to Christian thought continue to…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist
The Feast of St. Luke, celebrated on October 18th, invites Christians around the world to honor the life and contributions of this beloved saint and evangelist. As the author of one of the four Gospels and the Book of Acts, St. Luke leaves a legacy not only on the Christian calendar but also on the…
The Liturgical Home: Holy Michael and All Angels
The Church celebrates the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels on September 29th! We also know this feast as Michaelmas (pronounced mik-uhl-mus), a shortening of “Michaelโs mass.” It is the special day set aside by the church to celebrate Michael, the captain of the heavenly host, and all other angels. Why do we sometimes…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Matthew
On September 21st, Christians worldwide will celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, a day dedicated to honoring the remarkable life and enduring legacy of one of the beloved apostles. Known both as Matthew and Levi in the Bible, this apostle underwent a profound transformation through his encounter with Jesus, going from a despised tax collector…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Bartholomew
On August 24th, the Church celebrates St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke each mention Bartholomew by name (Matt. 10:13, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14). In the Gospel of John, he is called Nathanael (John 1:43-44) and initially asks โCan anything good…
The Liturgical Home: The Feast of St. Mary the Virgin
On August 15th, Christians worldwide celebrate the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord, honoring the remarkable life of the mother of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a joyous occasion filled with reverence, thanksgiving, and reflection on Maryโs profound role in the salvation story. The Life of St. Mary The life…