The feast of St. Dominic is a very special day in the Aquila home because we have three generations of Dominics in our family and with many people praying I hope that one day our future son can be the next. Needless to say, we really love St. Dominic in this house and we like to celebrate both St. Dominic Savio in May and St. Dominic de Guzman in August. So not only are we going to give glory to this amazing saint because it is his feast day, but I also want to say that this is a name day and you should also think about celebrating name days. In fact, before we ventured out into celebrating other saints during the liturgical year we have always had fun on name days. Essentially it's a day where you get to pick dinner, we go out for ice cream, and you get a little Catholic gift. I think that it is really important to remember who you are named after, take for example how and why names in scripture are very special. On several occasions we see a name change associated with a specific mission that God has chosen them for to draw themselves or others closer into sanctification. When we celebrate our name day we give ourselves that annual reminder of whose name and mission we must strive to emulate. For me, because there is no St. Steffani, yet ;) , we celebrate St. Stephen, the masculine form of my name. We also celebrate Aquilamas, the name I have given the feast of Sts. Aquila and Priscilla, because of the last name we bear and the way that we feel called to live as they did. And now for a little more on St. Dominic de Guzman! Who is St. Dominic de Guzman and What's Going On With the Dog & Torch? He was born in Spain in 1170 AD to nobility, his father was a royal village warden and his mother is actually a blessed, her name is Joan of Aza. His mother had long struggled with infertility when she decided to go on a pilgrimage to the Abbey of Santo Domingo de Silos to pray for the gift of a child. As she was traveling there she dreamed that a dog jumped from her womb with a torch in its mouth and set everything around them on fire. Not long after this she conceived a son and named him after the Abbey that she had visited. The dream must of had a part in his name too, as a play on words with the Latin term domini canis, which means dogs or hounds of the Lord. As a side note, I would love to see a Catholic vet, groomer, or doggy day care use this as their business name! These two will be your first customers! St. Dominic was highly intelligent and learned in theology and the arts. He dedicated himself thoroughly to his school work but became distracted by the frailty and abuses of others around him and strove in many ways to serve them. In one instance he sold all his school books so that he could buy food and clothing for the poor. In another he attempted to sell himself into slavery so that he could try to gain freedom for others. Before St. Dominic started the Dominican Order, he was actually a Benedictine superior! But around 1204 AD the Albigensian heresy was flourishing and St. Dominic was a part of a group of Benedictines that were tasked with their conversion. While many monks took a more pompous and arrogant approach, St. Dominic remained austere and it was through his way of explaining the truths of the faith that he won many souls. It is said that he was so good at debating with them that they didn't know how to defend themselves. It was at this point that St. Dominic knew that in order to keep that positive momentum going he would need to establish a convent in order to maintain the work he had done. In 1206 AD the first Dominican monastery was founded and it was also a place where children could be educated and women could be kept safe from heretics. What Can We Do to Celebrate His Feast Day? 1. Go outside and star gaze St. Dominic is the patron saint of astronomers. 2. Pray a rosary with your family St. Dominic was very devoted to Our Lady and it is said that she gifted him with a rosary for him to use as an instrument of conversion and salvation. This is a short explanation for why Dominicans wear a rosary as a part of their habit. 3. Pray the St. Dominic Prayer Saint Dominic, your dedication to the truths of the Catholic faith gives beautiful witness to the faithful. Help us to emulate your poverty, charity, and chastity in our daily lives, and to strive to obtain your erudition and verve in evangelizing others in our words and deeds. 4. Adorn your dining room table or home altar with lillies. St. Dominic is often depicted holding one stalk of white lilies. 5. Visit an animal shelter or a pet shop When I was little I used to love going to the pet shop to play with the puppies. This could be a fun little afternoon out in honor of the dream St. Dominic's mother had. 6. Go out for churros Churros are a fried dough that originated from Spanish cuisine. Eat this treat in honor of his Spanish culture. Have fun celebrating St. Dominic today, friends! We certainly will be too. :) I love seeing your treats, outings, and all the ways that you live liturgically, feel free to share your memories with me. God love you, His Girl Sunday

liturgical living, transfiguration, august feast day The Scripture Account Jesus Is Transfigured Matthew 17: 1-8 Six days later, Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And in their presence he was transfigured; his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will make three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud cast a shadow over them. Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were greatly frightened. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Stand up, and do not be frightened.” And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one, but only Jesus. What's Happening Here? The Transfiguration is considered one of five major events in the life of Christ. The others being His Baptism, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension. You can find the account of the Transfiguration in all three synoptic Gospels: Matthew 17:1-8, Mark 9: 2-9, and Luke 9: 28-36. We can tell from the timing of this event that it must have happened during the Jewish Feast of Booths which is a week long holiday that takes place in the Fall. During this time Our Lord, about one year before His passion, death, and resurrection, takes Sts. Peter, James, and John up to Mt. Tabor. And while there He reveals His glory to them; His face shone, His clothes were dazzling white, and rays poured over His body. Jesus reveals to them the fullness of who He is, He is the Son of God. Initially, they were pleased to have seen the radiance of Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here." We then hear Moses and Elijah speak of Jesus' suffering and death which is a foreshadowing of what is to come. And towards the end of this account we hear God's voice claiming Jesus as His beloved Son. The disciples are immediately struck with fear at the sound of this, but Jesus walks to them and with a simple touch commands them to stand. Throughout this account we can see that Jesus is preparing them for what is to come. He is encouraging and strengthening them with these profound accounts so that their belief is reinforced and they can carry on with courage. Why are Moses and Elijah There? During the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John notice that Moses and Elijah are there as well and many can't help but wonder, why. In short, their presence on either side of Jesus shows that Christ fulfills the Law, represented by Moses, and the prophets, represented by Elijah. In fact, many theologians will refer to Jesus as the New Moses, who brings the law to completion. There are many parallels that illicit this title such as the transfiguration taking place not long after the multiplication of loaves and fishes miracle. Moses too was able to feed the Israelites with Manna while he led them out of the wilderness. We can also call to mind the the account of Moses coming down from Mt. Sinai, after seeing God Scripture tells us that his face was radiant and many images depict his hair being completely white. The connection with Elijah is also intriguing, specifically in reference to the word and action of the exodus. During the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah speak about Jesus' departure. The Greek word that we see Luke use for departure is exodos, and how fitting is that connection with Moses who leads his people in an exodus to the promised land. And yet it is also appropriate in helping us understand why Elijah is there too. There are so many profound prophets that could have stood next to Jesus, yet we have Elijah. This is because he had an exodus of his own kind too, in that he didn't die, but was carried up body and soul into Heaven by flaming chariot. You can read more about this in the second book of Kings. And lastly, the prophecy of Malachi must be noted here which states that Elijah will be sent back to earth before "the great and terrible day of the Lord comes." Again, through Elijah's presence we see fulfillment of the prophets. Fun Liturgical Fact The Solemnity of the Transfiguration wasn't really celebrated in the Western church until the 11th century. Before then it was more commonly honored by the Eastern church, specifically the Syrian, Byzantine, and Coptic rites. This feast was officially integrated into the liturgical calendar in 1457 to commemorate the victory of over Islam in Belgrade. On July 22, 1456, Crusaders defeated the Turks at Belgrade. When news of the victory reached Rome on August 6th, Pope Callistus III placed the feast on the Roman calendar the following year. Have Your Grapes Blessed I encourage you to partake in this ancient tradition by having grapes blessed. This has lived on in the Church since the 4th century! In fact, we have the oldest prayer for the blessing of fruit from the Apostolic Constitution from the 4th century. There is a Prayer of Thanksgiving for new fruits from St. Hyppolytus from around 220AD. And from the 6th Ecumenical Council (680-681AD) we have Canon 28 which tells us that new wheat and grapes are to be blessed on this day. Grapes are an obvious connection to the Eucharist in that they become the wine which in turn becomes Christ’s blood. Creation is transfigured into something new and brilliant. When we partake in the Eucharist we too are transfigured as we become what we have received, the body of Christ. Christ then transfigures the world. On this day, God reveals to us the splendor that we were made for, the restoration of all that we are through His own transfiguration. If you don’t get to have your grapes blessed, then have a glass of wine, eat grapes, or make a meal with grapes. Other Ways to Celebrate Look at pictures of the Church of the Transfiguration situated on Mt. Tabor. Decorate your solemnity table in all white, read more about that here. Make food that resembles clouds, like mashed potatoes, meringue, or berries with cool whip. Happy Feasting! If you used any of these ideas, share with me on Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. See you in the Eucharist, Steffani

The feast of St. James the Great, settled deeply into the “dog days” of summer, is a welcome punctuation in these often hot, dry days. St. James’ Day brings James' remarkable witness and wisdom to us, of course and as well as seaside breezes, fresh citrus, and candlelit summer nights. It’s a holiday that so beautifully illustrates the liturgical calendar's knack for traveling far & wide, grafting regional customs into its lineage of tradition and letting those regional customs reflect back into its canon of holiday celebration. St. James' faith was legendary, along with his brother the Apostle John, these two "sons of thunder" were the first disciples to follow Jesus, and they were also present at the Transfiguration. Tradition tells us that James went on to preach the gospel in both the Holy Land and in Spain, where his influence still shines brightly. Then, after his martyrdom at the hand of Herod Agrippa I, legendary tales tell of St. James' body being returned to Spain, miraculously covered in shells after being shipwrecked. The presence of St. James' remains in the Santiago de Compostela have inspired generations of pilgrimages for well over a thousand years, and I find that continuity of devotion to be so moving. I'm reminded that we're all on a pilgrim journey, wherever we are, whatever our circumstances. Enjoying the classic Tarta de Santiago (Spanish for "Cake of St. James") for the feast of St. James is both delicious and illuminating, calling to mind all of these elements of his devotion! Spanish for "Cake of St. James," this humble tarta evokes the saint's ties with Spain, his miraculous appearance at the Battle of Clavijo, hence, the sword-pointed Cross of St. James imprinted on the cake, and his association with pilgrimage, if you walk the Camino de Santiago today, you can still find tartas for sale at every cafe and rest stop on the way! This flavorful almond cake dates back to the Middle Ages, though the earliest written reference hails from 1577 under the name Torta Real, or "royal cake," at the time. It's simple, quick, and perfect for a hot summer day! (Writing and Recipe by: Kristin Haakenson) I am so honored to have Kristin from Hearthstone Fables share her recipe for the feast of St. James. As a previous Camino pilgrim this feast day and cake are near and dear to my heart. A big, warm thank you for being a guest contributor at Liturgy Kitchen. tarta, st. james, spanish cake Prep Time: 15 minutes Bake Time: 30 minutes Yields: 8-10 slices of cake Ingredients 4 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 cups almond flour Zest from one lemon Optional: 1 tbsp grape liquor (called orujo is traditional) ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tbsps powdered sugar (for dusting the top) St. James Cross Stencil, download below (Photo: Hearthstone Fables) Instructions Preheat oven to 350F. Grease the sides and bottom of a round cake pan. Mix together the 4 eggs and 1 cup sugar, until somewhat frothy. Stir in the lemon zest. If using liquor, add 1 tbsp liquor and gently stir. Add the 2 cups almond flour and 1/2 tsp cinnamon to the egg mixture and stir gently. Pour batter into cake pan and bake for about 30 minutes. Allow to cool before removing from the pan. When completely cool, place a stencil of the Cross of St. James in the middle of the cake. Put powdered sugar into a fine-mesh strainer and gently tap to release the sugar over the top of the cake. Carefully remove the stencil when done. (Photo: Hearthstone Fables) (Photo: Hearthstone Fables) As a thank you to the His Girl Sunday readers, Kristin has offered us a discount code for her St. James printable paper scene. Here's the discount code for 75% off her St James printable! Code: HGS2023 https://www.etsy.com/listing/1509402396/printable-scene-digital-st-james-day?click_key=51936d110321b6182aaf96d243363e32c38b85e2%3A1509402396&click_sum=a97cd496&ref=shop_home_feat_2 Did you make this recipe? If so we would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to us on social media. Want to see more of the great liturgical and seasonal insights of Kristin? Go follow her! Substack: http://www.hearthstonefables.com Instagram: @hearthstonefables Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hearthstonefables And if you're not following along with the Liturgy Culture & Kitchen community, I welcome you to join us. His Girl Sunday Facebook His Girl Sunday Instagram For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

St. Mary Magdalene is the patron saint of penitent sinners, so in a way she represents all of us in our journey to Heaven. Most people may have commonly heard her referred to as a prostitute, but did you know that this information is not well supported by Scripture? What we do know is that Jesus cast seven demons out of her, she was a witness to the crucifixion, the burial of Jesus, and the first to discover the Resurrection of Christ. After her great conversion she is mentioned by name as a follower of Christ along with the apostles and several other women. The story of St. Mary Magdalene teaches us of the grace and mercy that is needed in all of our lives. In honor of her profound love, fervor, and discipleship we make madeleines which is the French form of the name Magdalen. These delectable tea cakes can be made in four ways thanks to our recipe contributor Casey from Cozy Homemaking Vibes. You can find all Casey's accounts at the bottom of this post, and we are so grateful for her sharing these wonderful recipes with Liturgy Kitchen. st. mary magdalene, madeleines, liturgical living Here is what's in store for you! Honey Lemon Madeleines Honey Orange Madeleines With a Dark Chocolate Coating Gingerbread Madeleines Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Madeleines Prep Time: 20 mins Bake Time: 7-12 mins (ovens can vary) Yields: 12 cookies Honey Lemon Madeleines (Casey's Favorite) Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 tablespoons honey 2 eggs 3/4 cup whole wheat or white flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 pinch salt 1 tsp lemon zest Oil for the pan Instructions Preheat the oven to 350F. Microwave 3 tbsps unsalted butter in 15 second intervals until just barely melted then set aside to cool while you make your batter. Whisk together the 2 eggs and 4 tbsps honey on high until it’s thick and airy, at least 4-5 mins. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch salt, and 1 tsp lemon zest until well blended. Then fold the dry mix into to the egg mixture with a spatula. Be gentle so it can stay a bit light and airy. Just before the flour is fully incorporated, fold in the melted butter. A proper Madeleine recipe will say to refrigerate for 5-20 mins. I rarely do this, but it's a great time to brush oil on the molds. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the center of each madeleine mold in the pan. Bake for 7-12 minutes. Oven heat varies so keep an eye on them, they cook quickly. We don’t want the edges to brown! After you take them out of the oven let them rest a minute before transferring to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar. (Photo: Cozy Homemaking Vibes) Honey Orange Madeleines With a Dark Chocolate Coating Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 4 tablespoons honey 2 eggs 3/4 cup whole wheat or white flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 pinch salt 1 tsp orange zest 3 squares of good 88% dark chocolate Oil for the pan Instructions Preheat the oven to 350F. Microwave 3 tbsps unsalted butter in 15 second intervals until just barely melted then set aside to cool while you make your batter. Whisk together the 2 eggs and 4 tbsps honey on high until it’s thick and airy, at least 4-5 mins. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch salt, and 1 tsp orange zest until well blended. Then fold the dry mix into to the egg mixture with a spatula . Be gentle so it can stay a bit light and airy. Just before the flour is fully incorporated, fold in the melted butter. A proper Madeleine recipe will say to and refrigerate for 5-20 mins. I rarely do this, but it's a great time to brush oil on the pan. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the center of each madeleine mold in the pan. Bake for 7-12 minutes. Oven heat varies so keep an eye on them, they cook quickly. We don’t want the edges to brown! After you take them out of the oven let them rest a minute before transferring to a cooling rack. Melt chocolate in a small microwave safe bowl in 20 second intervals, then dip cookies to coat the top of one side. (Photo: Cozy Homemaking Vibes) Gingerbread madeleines Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 tablespoons honey 1 tablespoon molasses 2 eggs 3/4 cup whole wheat or white flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 pinch salt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ginger ⅛ teaspoon cloves ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg Oil for the pan Instructions Preheat the oven to 350F. Microwave 3 tbsps unsalted butter in 15 second intervals until just barely melted then set aside to cool while you make your batter. Whisk together the 2 eggs, 3 tbsps honey, and 1 tbsp molasses on high until it’s thick and airy, at least 4-5 mins. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 pinch salt, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, ⅛ teaspoon cloves, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg until well blended. Then fold the dry mix into to the egg mixture with a spatula . Be gentle so it can stay a bit light and airy. Just before the flour is fully incorporated, fold in the melted butter. A proper Madeleine recipe will say to and refrigerate for 5-20 mins. I rarely do this, but it's a great time to brush oil on the pan. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter into the center of each madeleine mold in the pan. Bake for 7-12 minutes. Oven heat varies so keep an eye on them, they cook quickly. We don’t want the edges to brown! After you take them out of the oven let them rest a minute before transferring to a cooling rack. Dust with powdered sugar, I like extra on these! 😊 Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Madeleines Ingredients 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp parsley 1/4 tsp paprika 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 eggs 3/4 cup whole wheat or white flour Salt and pepper to taste 2 strips of bacon, chopped Colby Jack cheese sliced thinly into extra small cubes Olive oil for the pan Instructions Preheat the oven to 350F and fry your bacon in a skillet then set aside. Microwave 3 tbsps unsalted butter in 15 second intervals until just barely melted then set aside to cool while you make your batter. Whisk together the 3 eggs on high until it’s thick and airy, at least 4-5 mins. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp parsley, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, and a dash of salt and pepper until well blended. Fold the dry mix into to the egg mixture with a spatula . Be gentle so it can stay a bit light and airy. Just before the flour is fully incorporated, fold in the melted butter. Place the chopped bacon into the oiled madeleine mold first. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the bacon in the pan. I put half the batter in, added small cheese cubes, then the rest of the batter. Bake for 7-12 minutes. Oven heat varies so keep an eye on them, they cook quickly. We don’t want the edges to brown! After you take them out of the oven let them rest a minute before transferring to a cooling rack. These are best served warm with a coffee. Did you make this recipe? If so we would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to us on social media Cozy Homemaking Vibes Blog Cozy Homemaking Vibes Youtube Cozy Homemaking Vibes Instagram His Girl Sunday Facebook His Girl Sunday Instagram For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

In a sermon in the year 395, St. Augustine of Hippo said of Saints Peter and Paul: “Both apostles share the same feast day, for these two were one; and even though they suffered on different days, they were as one. Peter went first, and Paul followed. And so we celebrate this day made holy for us by the apostles’ blood. Let us embrace what they believed, their life, their labors, their sufferings, their preaching, and their confession of faith.” And while we’re learning, did you know that as early as the year 258AD, there was already a tradition in place to liturgically celebrate them on the same day? They were both founders of the See of Rome and both men tirelessly sought, in their own ways, to bring people to the faith. Sts. Peter and Paul carried on their ministry in Rome until they were eventually martyred there. These men, especially St. Peter since he was a fisherman, were given the title and command, "Fishers of Men." This phrase tells us that Jesus was called them to follow Him, and in turn build up the Kingdom of God on earth. We can better understand this through Scripture, Matthew 4:19, which expresses that they were to go out and cast their nets with the Good News, to teach, minister, and convert souls. But this phrase doesn't just apply to the Apostles, it is meant for us too. That we are to live our lives with Jesus, and in turn share the truths of our faith with others. In honor of these "Fishers of Men," we are going to make a fish dinner, and one that I've been wanting to try for some time now. Sheet pan shrimp quesadillas with chips and dip. 😍 Pick your favorite fish dinner for this feast day, it’s an easy way to call to mind the mission of both of these great saints, and our mission too. shrimp quesadillas, sts peter & paul, meatless meal Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings: 12 Ingredients 1. 1/2 cup olive oil 2. 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp, halved 3. 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced 4. 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 5. 1 red bell pepper, diced 6. 2 garlic cloves, chopped 7. 1 tsp chili powder 8. 1 tsp garlic powder 9. 1 tsp cumin 10. 1/2 tsp kosher salt 11. 1/2 tsp pepper 12. 3 cups mixed Mexican cheese 13. 1 tbsp butter for browning the tortillas Garnish Options Queso Salsa Guacamole Jalapeños Pico de Gallo Sour Cream Bean Dip Lime Juice Ready to get started? Dice 1/2 yellow onion and 1 red bell pepper, then chop 2 garlic cloves and 1/4 cup cilantro and set that aside. Over medium heat pour 2 tbsps olive oil then cook your shrimp in batches, only a minute each side until they are pink. You don’t need to worry too much about cooking them fully, they will go in the oven later. Replenish the olive oil in the skillet regularly so the shrimp don’t stick. Take the shrimp out and set it aside. Drizzle more oil into the skillet, 2 tbsps, and cook the onion, cilantro, bell pepper, and garlic for 5 minutes stirring regularly. While the veggies are cooking, cut the shrimp in half. After 5 minutes sprinkle in the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add in the shrimp and stir everything to combine! Preheat the oven to 425 and grease a baking sheet with oil or butter. Lay 7 burrito size tortillas on the sheet pan. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheese, then evenly distribute the shrimp mixture, and sprinkle the other 1 1/2 cups cheese across the top. Fold the edges of the tortilla inward and lay a final burrito size tortilla on the top. Take a stick of butter and coat the top of the tortillas then place another baking sheet on the top. Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes with the baking sheet laying on top of the quesadillas. Take it out of the oven and let it cool a bit before cutting. Serve with your favorite toppings. I arranged this on a wooden serving tray with chips, queso, pico de gallo, and salsa. Feel free to add sour cream, guacamole, or jalapenos! Whatever your little heart desires! Life is good! Did you make this recipe? If so I would love to see it, drop a picture in the comment or send it to me on social media Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday. For more resources on building Catholic tradition, check out the blog section of my website or follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful.

Quick Links & Resources for Catholic Liturgical Living in July As a short guide and aid to your July liturgical living, I have compiled some quick tips, ideas, and links to bring joy and festivity into your domestic church. This is not a list of every single July feast day, but will be a very good start. (liturgical living, july feast days, catholic life) Feast days that you will find in this post! 1. St. Maria Goretti 2. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel 3. St. Mary Magdalene 4. Sts. Anne & Joachim Note: This is not a full list of resources on my blog for feast day celebrations, activities, and recipes in the month of July. Go browse around for saints and feast days that are special to you. Enjoy! 😊 The Month of July is Dedicated to the Most Precious Blood St. Maria Goretti- July 6th About One of the largest crowds ever assembled for a canonization—250,000—symbolized the reaction of millions touched by the simple story of Maria Goretti. She was the daughter of a poor Italian tenant farmer, had no chance to go to school, never learned to read or write. When Maria made her First Communion not long before her death, she was one of the larger and somewhat backward members of the class. On a hot afternoon in July, Maria was sitting at the top of the stairs of her house, mending a shirt. She was not quite 12 years old, but physically mature. A cart stopped outside, and a neighbor, 18-year-old Alessandro, ran up the stairs. He seized her and pulled her into a bedroom. She struggled and tried to call for help. “No, God does not wish it,” she cried out. “It is a sin. You would go to hell for it.” Alessandro began striking at her blindly with a long dagger. Maria was taken to a hospital. Her last hours were marked by the usual simple compassion of the good—concern about where her mother would sleep, forgiveness of her murderer (she had been in fear of him, but did not say anything lest she cause trouble to his family), and her devout welcoming of Viaticum, her last Holy Communion. She died about 24 hours after the attack. Alessandro was sentenced to 30 years in prison. For a long time he was unrepentant and surly. One night he had a dream or vision of Maria gathering flowers and offering them to him. His life changed. When he was released after 27 years, his first act was to beg the forgiveness of Maria’s mother. Devotion to the young martyr grew, miracles were worked, and in less than half a century she was canonized. At her beatification in 1947, her 82-year-old mother, two sisters, and her brother appeared with Pope Pius XII on the balcony of St. Peter’s. Three years later, at Maria's canonization, a 66-year-old Alessandro Serenelli knelt among the quarter-million people and cried tears of joy. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links 1. Feast Day Fun 2. Learn More About Her St. Maria Goretti Prayer O God, author of innocence and lover of chastity, who bestowed the grace of martyrdom on your handmaid, the Virgin Saint Maria Goretti, in her youth, grant, we pray, through her intercession, that, as you gave her a crown for her steadfastness, so we, too, may be firm in obeying your commandments. Amen. Food 1. Gigli Pasta Recipe Here! Our Lady of Mt. Carmel- July 16th About Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the 12th century. They had a chapel dedicated to Our Lady. By the 13th century they became known as “Brothers of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.” They soon celebrated a special Mass and Office in honor of Mary. In 1726, it became a celebration of the universal Church under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For centuries the Carmelites have seen themselves as specially related to Mary. Their great saints and theologians have promoted devotion to her and often championed the mystery of her Immaculate Conception. Saint Teresa of Avila called Carmel “the Order of the Virgin.” Saint John of the Cross credited Mary with saving him from drowning as a child, leading him to Carmel, and helping him escape from prison. Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus believed that Mary cured her from illness. On her First Communion day, Thérèse dedicated her life to Mary. During the last days of her life she frequently spoke of Mary. There is a tradition—which may not be historical—that Mary appeared to Saint Simon Stock, a leader of the Carmelites, and gave him a scapular, telling him to promote devotion to it. The scapular is a modified version of Mary’s own garment. It symbolizes her special protection and calls the wearers to consecrate themselves to her in a special way. The scapular reminds us of the gospel call to prayer and penance—a call that Mary models in a splendid way. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links 1. Celebrating With Kids 2. Customs & Traditions 3. Watch the Story Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Prayer O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother. Amen. Food 1. Caramel Iced Coffee Recipe Here! St. Mary Magdalene- July 22nd About Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she could well be the patron of the slandered, since there has been a persistent legend in the Church that she is the unnamed sinful woman who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7:36-50. Most Scripture scholars today point out that there is no scriptural basis for confusing the two women. Mary Magdalene, that is, “of Magdala,” was the one from whom Christ cast out “seven demons” (Luke 8:2)—an indication at the worst, of extreme demonic possession or possibly, severe illness. Writing in the New Catholic Commentary, Father Wilfrid J. Harrington, O.P., says that “seven demons” “does not mean that Mary had lived an immoral life—a conclusion reached only by means of a mistaken identification with the anonymous woman of Luke 7:36.” In the Jerome Biblical Commentary, Father Edward Mally, S.J., agrees that she “is not...the same as the sinner of Luke 7:37, despite the later Western romantic tradition about her.” Mary Magdalene was one of the many “who were assisting them [Jesus and the Twelve] out of their means.” She was one of those who stood by the cross of Jesus with his mother. And, of all the “official” witnesses who might have been chosen for the first awareness of the Resurrection, she was the one to whom that privilege was given. She is known as the “Apostle to the Apostles.” (Franciscan Media) Quick Links Try Doing These Things Saint Stories for Children Feast Day Ideas St. Mary Magdalene Prayer St. Mary Magdalene, woman of many sins, who by conversion became the beloved of Jesus, thank you for your witness that Jesus forgives through the miracle of love. You, who already possess eternal happiness in His glorious presence, please intercede for me, so that some day I may share in the same everlasting joy. Amen. Food Madeleines from Scratch Recipe Here! Sts. Anne & Joachim- July 26 About In the Scriptures, Matthew and Luke furnish a legal family history of Jesus, tracing ancestry to show that Jesus is the culmination of great promises. Not only is his mother’s family neglected, we also know nothing factual about them except that they existed. Even the names “Joachim” and “Anne” come from a legendary source written more than a century after Jesus died. The heroism and holiness of these people however, is inferred from the whole family atmosphere around Mary in the Scriptures. Whether we rely on the legends about Mary’s childhood or make guesses from the information in the Bible, we see in her a fulfillment of many generations of prayerful persons, herself steeped in the religious traditions of her people. The strong character of Mary in making decisions, her continuous practice of prayer, her devotion to the laws of her faith, her steadiness at moments of crisis, and her devotion to her relatives—all indicate a close-knit, loving family that looked forward to the next generation even while retaining the best of the past. Joachim and Anne—whether these are their real names or not—represent that entire quiet series of generations who faithfully perform their duties, practice their faith, and establish an atmosphere for the coming of the Messiah, but remain obscure. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links Things to Do Catholic Grandparents' Day Saint Story Video A Prayer for Grandparents Lord Jesus, you were born of the Virgin Mary, the daughter of Saints Joachim and Anne. Look with love on grandparents the world over. Protect them! They are a source of enrichment for families, for the Church and for all of society. Support them! As they grow older, may they continue to be for their families strong pillars of Gospel faith, guardians of noble domestic ideals, living treasuries of sound religious traditions. Make them teachers of wisdom and courage, that they may pass on to future generations the fruits of their mature human and spiritual experience. Amen. Food 1. Creme Saint Anne Recipe Here! Happy Feasting! If you used any of these ideas, share with me on Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

Quick Links & Resources for Catholic Liturgical Living in June As a short guide and aid to your June liturgical living, I have compiled some quick tips, ideas, and links to bring joy and festivity into your domestic church. This is not a list of every single June feast day, but will be a very good start. (liturgical living, june feast days, saints, tradition) Feast days that you will find in this post! 1. The Most Holy Trinity 2. Corpus Christi 3. Sacred Heart of Jesus 4. Immaculate Heart of Mary 5. Sts. Peter & Paul Note: This is not a full list of resources on my blog for feast day celebrations, activities, and recipes in the month of June. Go browse around for saints and feast days that are special to you. Enjoy! 😊 The Month of June is Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus The Most Holy Trinity About "This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Time. This Sunday and next Sunday, however, are designated as solemnities, special days that call our attention to central mysteries of our faith. Today, on the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. This feast invites us to consider what we believe about God, who has revealed himself to us in the Trinity—one God in three persons." (Loyola) Quick Links 1. Popular Celebrations 2. Family Symbols Poster 3. Love More Like the Trinity Most Holy Trinity Prayer Glory be to the Father, Who by His almighty power and love created me, making me in the image and likeness of God. Glory be to the Son, Who by His Precious Blood delivered me from hell, and opened for me the gates of heaven. Glory be to the Holy Spirit, Who has sanctified me in the sacrament of Baptism, and continues to sanctify me by the graces I receive daily from His bounty. Glory be to the Three adorable Persons of the Holy Trinity, now and forever. Amen. Food 1. Tres Leches Cake Recipe Here! Corpus Christi About "The fact that the Church celebrates the solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ makes good sense, given the Eucharist’s centrality in the life of the Church, neatly described by the Catechism of the Catholic Church as the “sum and summary of our faith” (No. 1327). And there’s the Second Vatican Council’s famous reiteration of this reality in the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, calling the Eucharist the “source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium, No. 11). These truths about the Eucharist seem to be at the heart of why the medieval saint Juliana of Liège was moved to guide the Church toward celebrating this yearly solemnity, more commonly known as Corpus Christi." (Simply Catholic) Quick Links 1. Celebrate Corpus Christi at Home 2. Living the Feast of Corpus Christi 3. Process With the Community Anima Christi Prayer Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from Christ’s side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from thee. From the malicious enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me and bid me come unto thee, that I may praise thee with thy saints and with thy angels, forever and ever. Amen. Food 1. Homemade Bread Recipe Here! The Sacred Heart of Jesus About The Month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart. The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost. In addition to the liturgical celebration, many devotional exercises are connected with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Of all devotions, devotion to the Sacred Heart was, and remains, one of the most widespread and popular in the Church. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a wonderful historical expression of the Church's piety for Christ, her Spouse and Lord: it calls for a fundamental attitude of conversion and reparation, of love and gratitude, apostolic commitment and dedication to Christ and his saving work. Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are numerous. Some have been explicitly approved and frequently recommended by the Apostolic See. (Catholic Culture) Quick Links Pray the Litany to the Sacred Heart Consecrate Your Home to the Sacred Heart Enthrone your Home to the Sacred Heart Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you and with a lively sorrow for my sins. I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessings on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Within your heart I place my every care. In every need let me come to you with humble trust saying, Heart of Jesus, help me. Amen Food Flaming Strawberry Heart Cupcakes Recipe Here! Immaculate Heart of Mary About Around the 16th century, the Church began to dedicate each month to a specific devotion to help us sanctify our actions and give order to our days. With this in mind I can say, the beauty of the liturgical year really is something to behold and be delved into. Mother Church, in her infinite wisdom, knows that we need daily, weekly, and monthly encouragement to strengthen our relationship with God, Mary, and His saints. Sometimes these dedications change or rotate, but it is a tradition of the Church to have a monthly focus. Let's take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new or grow stronger in a devotion that we might already have. Quick Links Celebrate the Immaculate Heart Learn About the Immaculate Heart The Interior Life of Mary Immaculate Heart of Mary Prayer Immaculate Heart of Mary, my Mother, I come to you in childlike prayer. I earnestly desire that all the people of the world may be brought back to the humble knowledge and love of the Sacred Heart of your dear Son. I pray, dear Mother of my God, that the wonderful beauty and purity of your own Immaculate Heart may so win our souls that we may detest all sin and dedicate our lives to the honor and glory of the God who created us. You revealed the secrets of your own sad heart at Fatima and begged for penance, prayer, and conversion of the world to God. What more can I do than unite my heart to yours in this great yearning? What can I add but the fervent prayer that all the world may listen to your pleading? I give my heart to you, my heavenly Queen, and in confidence I leave to you what is best for me in answer to my prayer for love and reparation. Immaculate Heart of the Mother of my God, I implore through your powerful intercession, the conversion of the hearts of men, complete victory over sin, and the return of the peace which you have promised. Amen Food 1. Heart Cookies Recipe Here! Solemnity of Sts. Peter & Paul About On June 29 the Church celebrates the feast day of Sts. Peter & Paul. As early as the year 258, there is evidence of an already lengthy tradition of celebrating the solemnities of both Saint Peter and Saint Paul on the same day. Together, the two saints are the founders of the See of Rome, through their preaching, ministry and martyrdom there. Peter, who was named Simon, was a fisherman of Galilee and was introduced to the Lord Jesus by his brother Andrew, also a fisherman. Jesus gave him the name Cephas (Petrus in Latin), which means ‘Rock,’ because he was to become the rock upon which Christ would build His Church. St. Paul was the Apostle of the Gentiles. His letters are included in the writings of the New Testament, and through them we learn much about his life and the faith of the early Church. Before receiving the name Paul, he was Saul, a Jewish pharisee who zealously persecuted Christians in Jerusalem. Scripture records that Saul was present at the martyrdom of St. Stephen. (CNA) Quick Links Why Do We Celebrate Them on the Same Day Learn More About These Saints Bishop Barron Explains This Feast Sts. Peter & Paul Prayer Grant, we pray, O Lord our God, that we may be sustained by the intercession of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, that, as through them you gave your Church the foundations of her heavenly office, so through them you may help her to eternal salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen Food 1. Lemon Herb Salmon- Fishers of Men Dinner Recipe Here! Happy Feasting! If you used any of these ideas, share with me on Facebook @HisGirlSunday or Instagram @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

The Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is tomorrow and is sometimes called the "summer Christmas" because of his relationship to Christ and his summer birthday. I am particularly excited about this one because, thanks to our friends, we were able to make this a communal celebration with lots of fun things that I will share. Many of these traditions were done on the eve of the feast (June 23rd) but there are plenty of customs to do on the day of as well. Whether you party together on the vigil or the feast day, do it up! As you've heard me share before, I believe that building tradition is best done in the company of others and this is the perfect feast day to start doing that. In fact, this is one of the Church's oldest and most prominent feast days. If you're like me that may catch you by surprise because not much seems to be done for it anymore. But in 506AD the Council of Agde listed this Solemnity as one of the highest feasts so attending Mass was a requirement and you were to abstain from doing any work on that day. In 1022AD, Germany prescribed a 14 day fast and abstinence period to prepare for this feast. I share this with you to stress just how special it had become! Many prayed that with the intercession of St. John, they would have blessed homes, crops, and countries. It's truly amazing to know that by celebrating with our group of family and friends, we are passing down hundreds of years of elaborate customs to honor St. John. Streets used to be filled with people enjoying bonfires, food, water fights, and song, so that is what we will be doing, plus crickets! Well... I may not eat the crickets because I'm a big chicken, but I'm a very good cheerleader for Team Aquila. The custom of bonfires began even earlier than the 6th century as a way to express the bright light that is St. John who pointed people to Christ out of sin and darkness. Many European cultures have them but I especially wanted to honor my Spanish/Mexican heritage which is known for their midsummer festivals and bonfires. While the tradition of gathering around a fire may be known to have pagan roots, the Church has in a sense baptized these customs, making them symbols and expressions of our faith. In fact, you could even invite a priest friend over to bless your bonfire! Our friend, Father Joseph, was invited over and he blessed our food and fire. Prayer: P: Our help is in the name of the Lord. All: Who made heaven and earth. P: The Lord be with you. All: May He also be with you. Let us pray. Lord God, almighty Father, the light that never fails and the source of all light, sanctify + this new fire, and grant that after the darkness of this life we may come unsullied to you who are light eternal; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. The fire is sprinkled with holy water; after which the clergy and the people sing the following Hymn: Ut queant laxis 1. Ut queant laxis resonáre fibris Mira gestórum fámuli tuórum, Solve pollúti lábii reátum, Sancte Joánnes. 2. Núntius celso véniens Olýmpo Te patri magnum fore nascitúrum, Nomen, et vitae sériem geréndae Ordinae promit. 3. Ille promíssi dúbius supérni, Pérdidit promptae módulos loquélae: Sed reformásti genitus perémptae Organa vocis. 4. Ventris obstrúso récubans cubíli Sénseras Regem thálamo manéntem: Hinc parens nati méritis utérque Abdita pandit. 5. Sit decus Patri, genitaéque Proli et tibi, compare utriúsque virtus, Spíritus semper, Deus unus, omni Témporis aevo. Amen. 1. O for your spirit, holy John, to chasten Lips sin-polluted, fettered tongues to loosen; So by your children might your deeds of wonder Meetly be chanted. 2. Lo! a swift herald, from the skies descending, Bears to your father promise of your greatness; How he shall name you, what your future story, Duly revealing. 3. Scarcely believing message so transcendent, Him for a season power of speech forsaketh, Till, at your wondrous birth, again returneth, Voice to the voiceless. 4. You, in your mother's womb all darkly cradled, Knew your great Monarch, biding in His chamber, Whence the two parents, through their offspring's merits, Mysteries uttered. 5. Praise to the Father, to the Son begotten, And to the Spirit, equal power possessing, One God whose glory, through the lapse of ages, Ever resounding. Amen. P: There was a man sent from God. All: Whose name was John. Let us pray. God, who by reason of the birth of blessed John have made this day praiseworthy, give your people the grace of spiritual joy, and keep the hearts of your faithful fixed on the way that leads to everlasting salvation; through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. Prayer Source: Roman Ritual, The, Complete Edition by Philip T. Weller, S.T.D., The Bruce Publishing Company, Milwaukee, WI, 1964 In addition to that, I did some research to see what was customarily eaten on this Solemnity and found plenty of options. What's a bonfire birthday party without a feast? Here is a cultural menu for you to pick and choose from, the starred items are what we are doing. **In Mexico, you would find chicken tamales and stuffed peppers on the menu. However, right now in Texas it's not really tamale season so we will be doing tacos instead. **Latvia made this feast day a national holiday and families would open their homes to neighbors to share meats, bread, butter, honey, and sweet beer. This sounded so tasty to me and what immediately came to my mind was a charcuterie board so that, and beer, will be our contribution to the meal. My cheese board included sweet cherries, blue cheese, brie, and cheddar with salami, prosciutto, and jalapeno jam! Not bad... not bad at all! In Sweden, there would be salmon, potatoes, and a strawberry dessert on the table. An old English tradition is to make soup for the occasion which apparently dates back centuries. You could also try to make your own food tradition. Try something honey flavored in light of what was written about him in the Scriptures. Last year I tried my hand at a quick and easy weeknight struffoli. If you really want to go all out and try new things, order some flavored crickets off of Amazon and have a little food challenge. What could go better with a Charcuterie board than a Bacon and Cheese Cricket? I mean really! If you have teens this would be the perfect time to get them involved in some silly, faith filled fun. To go along with our cricket challenge we are going to have a water balloon fight and buckets of water to toss and play in. In Mexico, buckets of water would be thrown down the street and playfully at one another as an expression of joy at this hot summer festival. I don't care how old you are, a water balloon fight is just to hard to resist. You could always make that kid friendly by filling a small play pool, having a water gun fight, or even rolling out the slip-n-slide! So now that I have shared what we are doing I think it's time for you to call your friends and invite them over. While all of this may sound like a lot, it is very easy to throw together and can be done with relative ease by pitching in together as a community. And Happy Birthday to St. John the Baptist! We pray for your intercession and ask that you prepare a way for us too as we follow Christ and strive for holiness.

st john the baptist, nativity, celebration guide Happy Birthday, St. John the Baptist! Today is called the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and is sometimes called the "summer Christmas" because of his relationship to Christ and his summer birthday. In fact, this is one of the Church's oldest and most prominent feast days. Streets used to be filled with people enjoying bonfires, food, water fights, and song, so we will keep that tradition going tonight and I encourage you to do that with your family and friends too. Below is a Blessing of Bonfires for you to use this evening! Why Bonfires? Check out our St. John the Baptist Bonfire Sticks. Throw them in and watch the fire's flames change colors! The Custom of Water Fights Eat Traditional Feast Day Food You could also try my tasty Struffoli with this recipe here. Remember the Role of St. John the Baptist He points us to Christ, "behold the lamb of God." (John 1:36) Learn More About This Feast's History I think it's time for you to call your friends and invite them over. While all of this may sound like a lot, it is very easy to throw together and can be done with relative ease by pitching in together as a community. For more ideas follow along on FB @hisgirlsunday and IG @steffani_hisgirlsunday!

This past Wednesday was the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and I wanted to do something special. 💦 It also means that we are 6 months away from Christmas! Usually I'm soaking in the sun and enjoying the Texas heat but let's be honest this year has been something for the books and being out and about is a social no-no so I'm ready for that feel good season! 🎄 The life long mission of St. John the Baptist was to always give Christ the glory and prepare people to do that as well. Repent + Believe in the Gospel! He wanted them to KNOW Jesus, the way that he knew his own cousin from inside Elizabeth’s womb. So he does this by baptizing people, washing them of their sins and preparing them to stand holy in the sight of Christ. Have you ever wondered why St. John the Baptist was baptizing people when that was not an official part of Judaism? Baptism was unofficially practiced by some Jewish people (including the Essenes) and was a sign of repentance that was often repeated. It is likely that this is what influenced St. John the Baptist's ministry given that he may have very well known this group. This custom is of course different than the one we follow as Jesus baptizes us not just "with water" but also"with the Holy Spirit". (Luke 3:26) In Matthew 3:4 we learn that St. John the Baptist lived in the wilderness when he received his call as the forerunner for Christ. In that verse we see that his food was locusts and wild honey which is why it is our family tradition to incorporate honey into dinner or a treat. I know some might encourage a grasshopper challenge 🦗 but I just can’t do that! Instead, I did a couple of things this year, Italian Honey Clusters, also known as Struffoli, and Honey Basil Chicken Sliders which were so yummy. We highly recommend! I call this recipe the weeknight version because it is not the traditional way of making Struffoli but a much simpler version for an evening treat. I apologize in advance but this one is not a picture by picture! I cut the recipe in half so if you are only serving a few people that is more than plenty. struffoli, st john the baptist, honey treat Prep Time: 15 minutes Rise Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Yields: 10 Servings Ingredients 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 tbsp orange zest 1 teaspoon anise extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 eggs 1 1/4 cups honey 1/4 cup vegetable oil For Frying 5 cups vegetable oil for deep frying For Garnish (Optional Ideas) Sprinkles Honey Slivered Almonds Maraschino Cherries Powdered Sugar Directions: 1. In the bowl of your stand mixer, whisk the four eggs on medium for 2-3 minutes. 2. Pour in 1 tbsp orange zest, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp anise, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Mix that together on medium until the dough comes together. It will have a sticky consistency. 3. Remove the dough from the bowl and turn it out on a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes until it is no longer sticky. If it still feels sticky, sprinkle in more flour little by little while kneading until it is no longer sticky. Note: We are aiming for smooth and stretchy! 4. Place the dough in a clean bowl and cover it with a tea towel. Let it stand for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Note: Towards the end of the rise time, lightly flour a large plate or baking sheet so that when you form your dough balls they have a non-stick place to sit. 5. Turn the dough back out on a floured surface and divide it into six pieces. Roll each piece into a rope roughly 1/4" in diameter. 6. Cut each rope into 1 cm pieces and roll them to form balls. Try to make them the same size! 7. In a dutch oven or pot, pour in your oil and heat to 350 degrees. Note: You can also heat your oven to 200 degrees and take out a heatproof bowl or small cake tin so that when you are done frying small batches you can keep them warm in the oven. 8. Place them in the hot oil until golden brown for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Take them out with a slotted spoon or frying spatula and drain them on a paper towel lined plate. Once they are drained of the oil put them in the cake tin to stay warm in the oven. 9. In a saucepan, pour in the honey and heat over low to medium temperature until the honey has thinned. 10. Drizzle the honey over the dough balls and mix together until they are thoroughly coated. 11. Garnish with sprinkles, powdered sugar, slivered almonds, or maraschino cherries. As I was writing for the dough to set I read an article that highlighted an interesting fact to go along with the popular St. John the Baptist quote, "he must increase but I must decrease." (John 3:30) The feast of the nativity of John the Baptist occurs just days after the summer solstice when the days are actually getting shorter (decreasing) ⬇️. Christ’s nativity falls just after the winter solstice when the days are getting longer (increasing) ⬆️. What a humbling and difficult message for us, if we are to be like St. John the Baptist that means we must make way for Jesus into our own lives and the lives of others. We too must decrease so that Jesus can increase, placing less emphasis on ourselves and giving more worship to God. Proclaiming and praising Him as a church, not being afraid to speak out for truth, and building an intimate relationship with him as John did. Hoping you enjoy this recipe just as much as we did! Follow along for more liturgical living, it's more fun when we participate all together. FB: @hisgirlsunday IG: @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

It is hot as all get out here so making popsicles for the feast of the Immaculate Heart was a no brainer. I decided to make my own so that we could stick with a healthier, less sugary version of this yummy summer treat. To honor Our Lady I chose blueberries to remind us of the color she wore and the shape of a heart to call to mind this sacred image and devotion. I initially made these with a watermelon mold that I had on hand but you can get heart molds here. What is the Immaculate Heart of Mary? This term refers to Mary's pure and perfect heart which gave the profound fiat to God's will. According to Catholic dogma, Mary was sinless throughout her entire life and she remained meek and cooperative with the redemptive mission as the Mother of God. It is her heart that helps us learn how to love God fully and faithfully. I'm ready to get started, are you! 💙 immaculate heart, blueberry popsicle, Marian feast day Prep Time: 5 minutes Freeze Time: 3 1/2-4 hours Yields: 4 servings Ingredients 2 cups frozen blueberries 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey Heart shaped molds preferable or any mold you have on hand Measure two cups frozen blueberries and place those in your blender. I used my smoothie Ninja and that worked just the same. Note: You can use this exact same recipe with other fruit too! For strawberries, kiwi, and other fruits that are less dense I would change the measurement to 2 1/2 cups. Pour in 2 tablespoons lemon juice to add flavor and flair! And drizzle in one tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to give it a sweetness. I was going to go with honey but apparently I ran out so I did a quick, on the spot, substitute with maple syrup. Give that a good blitz until it is smooth and thoroughly blended. Some like little fruit chunks in their popsicles, I'll let you decide the consistency yourself. Fill your mold all the way to the top, add your popsicle sticks, and close the mold securely to be placed in the freezer for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Tip: To take these out without breaking them, like I did 😒, run room temperature water from the kitchen sink over the outside of the mold for about 30 seconds. These were so good! The natural fruit taste is so much better than the artificial flavors and sweeteners, I just know your going to love these. Pack them in a cooler for a picnic, take them out poolside, or just kick back on the couch and enjoy. Before eating, pray this Immaculate Heart prayer to bring the spirit of liturgical living into your home. Immaculate Heart Prayer O God of infinite goodness and mercy, fill our hearts with a great confidence in our Most Holy Mother, whom we invoke under the title of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and grant by us her most powerful intercession all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Keep in touch for more liturgical living recipes and resources. Follow along on FB @hisgirlsunday or IG @steffani_hisgirlsunday.

Around the 16th century, the Church began to dedicate each month to a specific devotion to help us sanctify our actions and give order to our days. With this in mind I can say, the beauty of the liturgical year really is something to behold and be delved into. Mother Church, in her infinite wisdom, knows that we need daily, weekly, and monthly encouragement to strengthen our relationship with God, Mary, and His saints. Sometimes these dedications change or rotate, but it is a tradition of the Church to have a monthly focus. Let's take advantage of this opportunity to learn something new or grow stronger in a devotion that we might already have. For August, we are turning our minds and hearts toward the heart of Our Blessed Mother. The perfectly pure and holy heart of a woman who teaches us how to love God above all else. Mary knows how to do this with such great depth that she can draw us into herself with the only intention of helping us to better know Jesus, her son. What is the Immaculate Heart of Mary? This term refers to Mary's pure and perfect heart which gave the profound fiat to God's will. According to Catholic dogma, Mary was sinless throughout her entire life and she remained meek and cooperative with the redemptive mission as the Mother of God. It is her heart that helps us learn how to love God fully and faithfully. What is the Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary? Devotions to the Immaculate Heart of Mary have long existed in more private and less formal ways but it finally began to flourish with the help of St. John Eudes. He spoke tirelessly about the hearts of Jesus and Mary along with the importance of drawing near to them as wellsprings of grace and mercy. Around the 17th century, parallel with an increase in devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the feast of the Holy Heart of Mary was established. And in the 19th century, the apparition to St. Catherine Laboure and the formation of a society was dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the devotion grew even more. In this closeness to Mary's heart we seek to transform our own hearts to be more like hers in virtue, and to help us love God as she does. This involves a total gift of self so that we can be united to God, through Mary's maternal love for us and her son. For all that Mary is, we honor and revere her extraordinary life, example, and motherhood. 6 Ways to Engage in this Devotion 1. Wear a Miraculous Medal On one side of the Miraculous Medal are the words, O Mary, Conceived Without Sin, Pray for Us Who Have Recourse to Thee. In her apparition to St. Catherine Laboure she is confirming the dogma of her Immaculate Conception. On the other side is an image of the cross with the letter "M," and underneath it the symbols of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, emphasizing the devotion to her holy heart. 2. Make a Heart Craft I really like this one from Shower of Roses. You cut a construction paper heart, cut up streamers, and glue them down to look like flowers and a flame on top. If you want more details on this craft, click here. (Image: Shower of Roses) 3. Start the First Five Saturdays Devotion Our Lady promised to assist at the hour of death, with all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who practice the First Saturday devotion on five consecutive months, with the intention of making reparation to her Immaculate Heart. What do you do? Go to confession Receive Holy Communion at a Saturday Mass Pray 5 decades of the rosary Keep Our Lady Company by meditating for 15 minutes on one or more of the mysteries of the Rosary 4. Make Heart Shaped Popsicles or Cookies Click the image to make heart shaped blueberry popsicles! I have a really good sugar cookie cutouts recipe here. Don't forget to decorate them! :) 5. Consecrate Yourself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Here are three great resources to help you prepare and get started. 33 Days to Morning Glory True Devotion to Mary Militia of the Immaculata 6. Pray with the Prophecy of Simeon “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many may be revealed – and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.” (Luke 2:34-35) These are six options that can easily be adapted for various age ranges and family structures, but whatever you choose to do, do it intentionally. I pray that these help all of us to think more intently about Mary, help us consider how we can grow to celebrate her example, and be more like her every day. For more tips and tricks I invite you to follow along on FB @HisGirlSunday or IG @steffani_hisgirlsunday! Praying for you, His Girl Sunday