St. Alphonsus Liguori (Aug 1); St. Peter Faber (Aug 2); St. Peter Julian Eymard (Aug 2); St. Eusebius of Vercelli (Aug 2); St. John Vianney (Aug 4); St. Sixtus II and Companions (Aug 7); St. Cajetan (Aug 7); St. Dominic (Aug 8); St. Mary MacKillop (Aug 8); St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Aug 9); St. Lawrence (Aug 10); St. Clare of Assisi (Aug 11); St. Philomena (Aug 11); St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Aug 12); Ss. Pontain and Hypolytus (Aug 13); St. Maximilian Kolbe (Aug 14); St. Stephen of Hungary (Aug 16); St. Helen (Aug 18); St. John Eudes (Aug 19); St. Bernard of Clairvaux (Aug 20); St. Pius X (Aug 21); St. Rose of Lima (Aug 23); St. Bartholomew (Aug 24); St. Joseph Calasanz (Aug 25); St. Louis of France (Aug 25); St. Joan Antide-Thouret (Aug 25); St. Monica (Aug 27); St. Augustine of Hippo (Aug 28); St. Jeanne Jugan (Aug 30)
HIGHLIGHTED SAINTS:
August 1: St. Alphonsus Liguori
St. Alphonsus was a priest, missionary, and lawyer. He also wrote about moral theology, concentrating on practical issues for pastors and confessors. He founded the Redemptorists congregation of missionary priests, deacons and brothers. Pray this daily novena, and learn more here. St. Alphonsus is the patron saint of confessors and lay people.
August 4: St. John Vianney
St. John Vianney endured many struggles on the road to becoming a priest. He is well-known for his dedication to the vocation of priesthood, particularly as a confessor. He is the only diocesan priest ever to be canonized, and is the patron saint of diocesan and parish priests.
August 8: St. Dominic
St. Dominic was a great defender of the faith, and founded the Dominican religious order. Church tradition tells us that St. Dominic is the source of the rosary. He is the patron saint of astronomers. Download this St. Dominic activity.
August 8: St. Mary MacKillop
St. Mary MacKillop grew up on a farm. At age 14, she began looking after children and teaching them. She was determined to help the poor and the farm children in her care. She helped to open a Catholic school and dedicated herself to Australia’s first religious order, the Sisters of St. Joseph. The Sisters opened over 40 Catholic schools. In 2010, St. Mary became the first Australian saint to be canonized. Pray this prayer and learn more about St. Mary here.
August 9: St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (St. Edith Stein) is a saint for our times. She grew up in a Jewish family, and became interested in the Catholic faith at age 31, after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. Download this printable activity, and learn more here.
August 11: St. Clare of Assisi
St. Clare became a lifelong friend of St. Francis of Assisi. Clare joined a convent, and the sisters became known as the Order of Poor Ladies because they practiced poverty. Today, nuns who follow St. Clare’s example are known as “The Poor Clares.” She is the patron saint of televisions and computer screens.
August 14: St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan Friar who volunteered to die in place of a family father in the Nazi Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. His is a story of faith and courage. Here are 9 Things to Know about St. Maximilian Kolbe, and a number of prayers. Watch this video to learn more about the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
August 24 - St. Bartholomew, Apostle
St. Bartholomew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Some of the gospels also refer to him as Nathaniel. He is remembered for his missionary work, spreading the teachings of Jesus, and for his willingness to die for his faith. Enjoy a coloring page, watch this video about his life, and learn more here.
August 25 – St. Joseph Calasanz
St. Joseph Calasanz dedicated his life to educating poor children, establishing the first free school for children. He offered his life for the glory of God. St. Joseph Calasanz is known as the patron of Catholic Schools. Learn more about his life here.
August 27 – St. Monica
St. Monica is a role model for mothers. She helped her husband to believe in God. She worried about her son, Augustine, who caused her much grief. But she had hope, and never stopped praying for his conversion. St. Monica’s life is a testament to the virtues of patience and perseverance. She is the patron saint of mothers and parents whose children have left the Church. Read about some favorite “mom saints.” Check out these Prayers to St. Monica for mothers and for children.
August 28 – St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of the greatest defenders of the Catholic faith, a Doctor of the Church, and the patron saint of searchers. In his early life, St. Augustine struggled to believe in God. His mother prayed for him constantly, and one day he prayed to be free from his sins. After his conversion, he gave away all he had, and became a priest and bishop. He is known for his prayer, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Watch this video about his life. Pray with this St. Augustine Novena, or the Holy Spirit Prayer of St. Augustine, and celebrate his feast day with crafts and activities!
August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Mary is our closest link to her Son, Jesus. The Bible tells us that “his mother kept all these things in her heart” (Lk 2:51). During the month of August we honor Mary with three feast days --- The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major (Aug 5), the Assumption (Aug 15), and the Queenship of Mary (Aug 22). Honor Our Lady in a special way this month. Wear a scapular or a Miraculous Medal, pray the Angelus, the Rosary, or the Memorare daily, or participate in the First Five Saturdays devotion.
August 5 – The Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Learn about the largest church in the world dedicated to Our Lady.
August 6 - Transfiguration of the Lord
Through the Transfiguration, Jesus reveals that he is God. His glorified body gives us hope of the glories to come in heaven. Read “10 Things You Need to Know about Jesus' Transfiguration,” and learn more about this wonderful feast day!
August 15 - Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The feast of the Assumption of Mary is a holy day of obligation. Don’t forget to go to Mass! Read “12 Things to Know and Share about the Assumption,” and learn more about this oldest feast day of Our Lady. Watch this animated story about the Assumption, and celebrate this solemnity with your family with these resources!
August 22 - Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary is known as the Queen of Heaven, because her Divine Son is King. Watch this video from Bishop Barron. Learn more about the Queenship of Mary from EWTN. (Be sure to scroll all the way down the page!) Celebrate with a fun paper doll craft! Find a story, art project, craft, and other ideas to celebrate this feast day here.
August 29 - The Passion of St. John the Baptist
St. John the Baptist spoke the truth with great courage, even in the face of death. The Passion (or beheading) of St. John the Baptist is one of the very oldest liturgical feasts on the Church's calendar. Learn more about this feast day here, and learn why we honor the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.
From the Archdiocese of Dubuque Pinterest Boards: www.pinterest.com/dbqarch
Check out these August Pinterest topics focused on the family - the Domestic Church!