Explore my liturgical living content!

On September 8th we celebrate the Nativity of Mary, happy birthday, Mother Mary! For this special feast we decided to make homemade cinnamon cupcakes with cinnamon icing! This flavor was chosen because of the special memory of our betrothal, which took place four years ago on September 8th. And our wedding that followed only a short couple of months later had cinnamon wedding cake that went in a flash. Honestly, I almost didn’t get a piece of our own cake, our baker did an amazing job by making it so delicious we decided to recreate this in Mary's honor! Mary has always had her arms wrapped around this marriage, and so this day is filled with many Marian connections for us that we like to honor and celebrate. It is liturgically fixed to this date because it comes 9 months after the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Help others celebrate too by sharing this useful graphic! The Immaculate Conception is the Catholic dogma which states that Mary was conceived without sin as the child of Sts. Joachim and Anne. This holy couple was infertile but fervently prayed for a child when Anne received the promise that their child would play an integral role in salvation history. “The Lord has heard your prayer, and you shall conceive, and shall bring forth, and your seed shall be spoken of in all the world.” To see why we throw a birthday party like her dad, St. Joachim did, read this post. I also have two Mary's Birthday Treat Toppers for you! It's an easy digital download that comes with two options: St. Anne holding baby Mary, and St. Anne standing by child Mary. Get it here! Let's get to baking! Prep Time: 20 minutes for the cupcakes & homemade icing Bake Time: 15-17 minutes Yields: 12 cupcakes The Ingredients For the Cupcake 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup light-brown sugar, lightly-packed 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract For the Icing 4 tablespoons butter, softened 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar For Mary's birthday cupcake I wanted a cute party liner and found these with adorable polka dots. You could also go with the classic Marian blue! You can also go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees, while we are baking your oven can warm up. In a glass bowl combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 1/4 tsps baking powder. I love using brown sugar in cupcakes, in my experience they always turn out to be more moist. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves. I'm trying to not jump ahead too much with the fall feels, but this combination of spices is just giving all those vibes! 🍁 1/2 tsp sea salt can be added to this dry mix too! Whisk all of that together until it is thoroughly combined and without any clumps. Set that aside and we will begin the wet ingredients in a separate glass bowl! Pour in 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Crack in two eggs, then pour in 1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract. And whisk, whisk, whisk to combine! Make sure you get those eggs that like to run away while you're mixing. Then pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Back to that very helpful arm exercise of whisking! Don't over mix it, but make sure that it is smooth. Using an ice cream scoop, pour the batter into your cupcake liners until about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-17 minutes, I did 17 minutes, and tested it out by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, it's finished! Then place the cupcakes on a cooling rack and wait until they are completely cooled off before icing, about 35 minutes. While the cupcakes are cooling you can whip up your icing! Begin by combining 4 tablespoons butter and 4 ounces of cream cheese in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth. When smooth pour in 1 tsp vanilla extract and combine. Once these three ingredients are combined, sprinkle in 1/2 tsp cinnamon and mix again. Change the setting to low and sprinkle in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar. Mix until the powdered sugar is completely incorporated and is nice and creamy like this! Ice your cupcakes in whatever way you feel comfortable. If that means simply spreading it over the cupcake tops, great! Maybe you are going to use a piping bag with fun tips and let the family have fun decorating, great! Do what you desire, this is not the Great British Baking Contest! 😃 I used a piping bag with a large round tip and slightly hovered the piping bag over the center of the cupcake and kept pressing the icing out until it created a nice round shape then pulled up. This is what is within my grasp to make a nice looking cupcake. If you are more advanced than that, go for it lady! 🙌🏼 Have a wonderful and joyful time celebrating Mary's birthday with family and friends. 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 to see what Catholic things I am doing to make our day to day life more joyful. God love you, His Girl Sunday

As a short guide and aid to your September 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 September feast day, but will be a very good start. Note: This is not a full list of resources on my blog for feast day celebrations, activities, and recipes in the month of September. Go browse around for saints and feast days that are special to you. Enjoy! 😊 The Month of September is Dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Click the graphic below for a recipe to celebrate this feast day. The Nativity of Mary About The Church has celebrated Mary’s birth since at least the sixth century. A September birth was chosen because the Eastern Church begins its Church year with September. The September 8 date helped determine the date for the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s birth. However, the apocryphal Protoevangelium of James fills in the gap. This work has no historical value, but it does reflect the development of Christian piety. According to this account, Anna and Joachim are infertile but pray for a child. They receive the promise of a child who will advance God’s plan of salvation for the world. Such a story, like many biblical counterparts, stresses the special presence of God in Mary’s life from the beginning. Saint Augustine connects Mary’s birth with Jesus’ saving work. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. “She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. Through her birth the nature inherited from our first parents is changed.” The opening prayer at Mass speaks of the birth of Mary’s Son as the dawn of our salvation, and asks for an increase of peace. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links Throw Mary a Birthday Party Nativity of Mary Crafts Things to Do for the Nativity of Mary Nativity of Mary Collect Prayer Impart to your servants, we pray, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin may bring deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her Son was the dawning of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Food 1. Cinnamon Cupcakes 2. Mary's Birthday Treat Toppers Our Lady of Sorrows About The Story of Our Lady of Sorrows For a while there were two feasts in honor of the Sorrowful Mother: one going back to the 15th century, the other to the 17th century. For a while both were celebrated by the universal Church: one on the Friday before Palm Sunday, the other in September. The principal biblical references to Mary’s sorrows are in Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27. The Lucan passage is Simeon’s prediction about a sword piercing Mary’s soul; the Johannine passage relates Jesus’ words from the cross to Mary and to the beloved disciple. Many early Church writers interpret the sword as Mary’s sorrows, especially as she saw Jesus die on the cross. Thus, the two passages are brought together as prediction and fulfillment. Saint Ambrose in particular sees Mary as a sorrowful yet powerful figure at the cross. Mary stood fearlessly at the cross while others fled. Mary looked on her Son’s wounds with pity, but saw in them the salvation of the world. As Jesus hung on the cross, Mary did not fear to be killed, but offered herself to her persecutors. (Franciscan Media) Quick Links Staying Focused on the Meaning of the Feast 10 Ways to Honor Our Lady of Sorrows Things to Do for Our Lady of Sorrows Our Lady of Sorrows Prayer O most holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object. Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and to the holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen. Food Lemon Bars To remind us of the bitter, sour taste of suffering. St. Padre Pio About Padre Pio was born on May 25, 1887 in Pietrelcina, southern Italy. He was tutored privately until his entry to the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars at the age of 15. Of feeble health but strong will, with the help of grace, he completed the required studies and was ordained a priest in 1910. On September 20, 1918 the five wounds of our Lord’s passion appeared on his body, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of the Catholic Church. Countless persons were attracted to his confessional and many more received his saintly counsel and spiritual guidance through correspondence. His whole life was marked by long hours of prayer and continual austerity. His letters to his spiritual directors reveal the ineffable suffering, physical and spiritual, which accompanied him all through his life. They also reveal his deep union with God, his burning love for the Blessed Eucharist and Our Blessed Lady. On January 9, 1940, Padre Pio announced his grandiose plans to develop a Home for the Relief of Suffering (the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza). The Casa opened its doors on May 5, 1956 as a 300 bed facility, built on the small, sincere and spontaneous donations and prayers of his followers. He also developed an international network of prayer groups for the support of the Casa and its ministry that continues to live on and grow today. Padre Pio considered the Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza (Casa) his “Work”, inspired and blessed by God, to be a haven of relief from suffering for all of God’s children in pain in body or soul. It is a model community of Catholic Christian health delivery, and has grown into a regional referral center of international renown. Today, with over 1,000 beds and services comparable to most academic research centers of excellence, the Casa is thriving by God’s graces in one of the most remote, desolate and poorest areas of Italy…atop Mount Gargano, four hours from Rome. Worn out by over half a century of intense suffering and constant apostolic activity in San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio was called to his heavenly reward on September 23, 1968. After a public funeral, which attracted over 100,000 mourners, his body was entombed in the crypt of Our Lady of Grace Church. Increasing numbers flock to his tomb from all parts of the world and many testify to spiritual and temporal graces received. On the 16th of February 1973, the Archbishop of Manfredonia, Msgr. Valentino Vailati, consigned the documentation to the Sacred Congregation of the Causes of Saints so as to obtain the “nihil obstat” for the beginning of the process of his Beatification. On December 18, 1997, by the reading of the decree on the heroic virtues, the Holy Father John Paul II declared Padre Pio “Venerable.”, and on June 16, 2002, over 500,000 Padre Pio devotees gathered in Rome to witness Pope John Paul II proclaim Padre Pio, “Saint Pio of Pietrelcina”. (saintpiofoundation) Quick Links Ideas for Celebrating St. Padre Pio Video: St. Padre Pio's Secret to Holiness Video: The Story of St. Padre Pio Prayer to St. Padre Pio O God, You gave Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, Capuchin priest, the great privilege of participating in a unique way in the passion of Your Son, grant me through his intercession the grace of … which I ardently desire; and above all grant me the grace of living in conformity with the death of Jesus, to arrive at the glory of the resurrection. Glory be to the Father… (three times) Food Homemade Cappuccino For the Capuchin friar! Michaelmas/ The Feast of the Archangels About The Catholic Church confirms the existence of angels, and that they are active in our lives. So, what is an angel? What is an archangel? And what makes them so special? The Catechism states, "The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls 'angels' is a truth of faith," (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 328). The word, "angel," comes from the Greek word, "aggelos," which means, "messenger." The Bible recognizes, "nine choirs" of angels. Each choir has a name and a purpose. The Bible also mentions archangels. Archangels are recognized as leaders, and they are entrusted by God with special duties. The Bible and the Church recognizes seven archangels, although just three are known by name, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The name Michael means "one who is like God." His will is focused, immovable, and entirely driven toward accomplishing goodness; he is the protector of souls and wields his powerful sword against the poisonous and indictive aspirations of the devil who Jesus calls a "murderer from the beginning" and the "father of lies" (John 8:44). St. Michael the Archangel visited three children at Fatima, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta in 1917 to prepare them for the work of the Blessed Virgin. St. Michael the Archangel said to them, "Fear not. I am the Angel of Peace. Pray with me." Then he prostrated himself and repeated three times: "My God; I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love Thee! I beg Thee forgiveness for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love Thee!" During a visit to the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, Pope John Paul II said, "The battle against the devil . . . is the principal task of Saint Michael the archangel." Scripture narrates the same truth: "Then war broke out in heaven; Michael and his angels battled against the dragon. Although the dragon and his angels fought back, they were overpowered and lost their place in heaven. The huge dragon, the ancient serpent known as the devil or Satan, the seducer of the whole world, was driven out; he was hurled down to earth and his minions with him" (Revelation 12:7-9). Gabriel means "God is my strength". He was sent from God to Nazareth, "to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, . . . and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:27-28). Pope St. Gregory the Great wrote: "He [Gabriel] came to announce the One who appeared as a humble man to quell the cosmic powers. Thus, God's strength announced the coming of the Lord of the heavenly powers, mighty in battle" (excerpt from Homily 34, 8-9). Raphael means "God is my health". He is one of seven angels "who enter and serve before the Glory of the Lord" (Tobit 12:15). The meaning of Raphael's name reflects the fact that he touched Tobit's eyes in order to heal them of blindness. St. Augustine teaches in reference to the angels' office and nature: "Angel' is the name of their office, not of their nature. If you seek the name of their nature, it is 'spirit'; if you seek the name of their office, it is 'angel': from what they are, 'spirit,' from what they do, 'angel.'" In other words, the office of the angels is one of mission, as messengers of God, while their nature is defined as non-physical, personal spiritual beings created by God. The Catechism teaches in reference to the angels' office: "With their whole beings the angels are servants and messengers of God. Because they always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven' they are the mighty ones who do his word, hearkening to the voice of his word'" (Catechism of the Catholic Church 329; Mt 18:10). The angels are truly beautiful. As we reflect upon them, we are drawn toward a deeper and clearer understanding of God's love for man; for billions of angels, to be sure, are given the personal charge of looking after God's children as their guardian angels. Every moment of each day, day after day, year after year, our faithful guardian angels stand at our side, focused on our well-being with far greater power and intensity than we ourselves can summon, since the strength of their angelic will is far greater than ours. Let us thank God each day for their protection and guidance, giving to us great advantage here below, for they see the reality of our life in clarity, which is something we often fail to do. God has commended to each of us an angel for our very own. What love has God for his children, for those he has created in the image of his incarnate Son! (Catholic.org) Quick Links 7 Things to Know & Share Things to Do for the Archangels Celebrating Michaelmas St. Michael the Archangel Prayer St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. O glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day. Amen. Food Blackberry Cobbler Read the story in the recipe post. 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

St. Michael's Lent is the period of prayer and fasting in which St. Francis of Assisi received stigmata. The St. Michael's Lent begins on August 15th and ends on September 29th, Michaelmas. A lovely St. Michael feast day dessert can be found here. Just like the Lent prior to Easter it goes for 40 days and excludes Sundays. This is a period of fasting that we receive from St. Francis of Assisi, who while widely known for being the bird-bath saint, was actually a man of intense interior spiritual life and complexity. He was known for secluding himself from his community at times for solitude and a deepening of prayer. Two years before he died he went away to Mount La Verna where he fasted and prayed in honor of St. Michael the Archangel. It was during this time that he received stigmata, the holy wounds of Jesus, traditionally known to be on September 17th. This Lent became popular among the Franciscans before widely falling out of practice, but many Catholics are bringing this back. In the 13th century book, The Little Flowers of St. Francis, he says to his brothers, “My sons, we are drawing nigh to our forty days’ fast of St. Michael the Archangel; and I firmly believe that it is the will of God that we keep this fast in the mountain of Alvernia, the which by Divine dispensation hath been made ready for us, to the end that we may, through penance, merit from Christ the consolation of consecrating that blessed mountain to the honor and glory of God and of His glorious mother, the Virgin Mary, and of the holy angels.” This time, which we too are encouraged to participate in, is intended to give attention to deepening our relationship with Jesus and St. Michael who is our most powerful intercessor in fighting against spiritual enemies. While we often times think that penance is reserved for the traditional season of Lent, the liturgical year and the saints prompt us to regularly partake in this form of prayer. Feasting and fasting go hand in hand, and it is through both means that we can grow to live more closely to the divine life of Christ.

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!