What's Left of July?
The Month of the Most Precious Blood
For a variety of reasons, I was not able to get the first half of the month posted-sorry 'bout that....but there is still half of July left! (It just so happens I turn 50 during this particular time, which I have been emotionally preparing for, for a long time. We'll see how well I prepared-I'll tell you how depressed I am in a few weeks! But seriously, please pray for me during this life transition-I am using it as an opportunity to gain a fresh perspective and make more progress toward my goals, including those relating to this ministry. TY!)
So what did we miss? July commenced with the Feast of the Most Precious Blood followed by the Visitation. During the past 2 weeks, Holy Church has also honored the Apostle Thomas, the Holy Popes, Our Lady of Refuge, St. Maria Goretti (martyr for purity), Sts. Cyril & Methodius, St. John Fisher & St. Thomas More, St. Veronica, St. Kateri (my great-neice is named for her!) and St. Bonaventure, a Doctor of the Church. All Ye Holy Saints, pray for us! Thank you for your most blessed lives!
How can we honor the Precious Blood of Christ this month? That is a very interesting question because it forces us to consider how His Blood may be distinct from His Body. I do not pretend to be a theologian, so I will encourage you to pursue this question yourself with prayer. We will be posting the Litany of the Most Precious Blood during the next 2 weeks, so please come back and pray this beautiful prayer with your family! Litanies are such a wonderful Church tradition that have been largely lost. Here are some notable feasts coming up-let us never forget all the great saints who have given their lives for our benefit.....
7/16-Our Lady of Mount Carmel (we will see in our coming Fatima Holy Hours how important the Mount Carmel message is to Our Lady)
7/19-St. Vincent de Paul, 1660
7/20-St. Jerome Emiliani, 1537
7/21-St. Lawrence of Brindisi, 1619-Doctor of the Church
7/22-St. Mary Magdalen
7/23-St. Bridget of Sweden, 1373
7/24-Vigil of St. James the Greater
7/25-St. James the Greater/St. Christopher, c. 250
7/26-Sts. Joachim & Anne
7/29-St. Martha, Companion of Christ
7/30-St. Peter Chrysologus, 450-Doctor of the Church
7/31-St. Ignatius of Loyola, 1556
This blog provides both old and new feasts.