Living Liturgically: August Resources
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In Focus this Month
Solemnity of the Transfiguration - Sunday, August 6
Feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon & Martyr - Thursday, August 10
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Tuesday, August 15
Feast of St. Louis, King of France - Friday, August 25
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August Resources
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Solemnity of the Transfiguration
August 6, 2023
The Transfiguration of the Lord commemorates one of the most significant events of Jesus’ life. He took Peter, James and John up to a high mountain for prayer. As they were praying, Jesus was transfigured before their eyes; his clothes became “dazzling white” in the glory of God. Elijah and Moses appear and begin to converse with Jesus. Then a cloud casting a shadow came over them, and the voice of God the Father was heard from the cloud saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Mt 17:5).
Celebrate the solemnity by doing the following:- Pray the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary
- Attend Mass
- Read scripture as a family and reflect on the readings; here are some suggested passages:
* Matthew 17: 1-8
* Mark 9: 1-8
* Luke 9: 28-36 - Gather as a family and recount events that brings joy in your daily life and describe as to why they hold a special place in your memory.
- Download Coloring Pages & Activities for All Grade Levels
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Feast of St. Lawrence the Martyr
Thursday, August 10, 2023
In the year 258 A.D., during a time of growing hostility towards early Christians in pagan Rome, Saint Lawrence emerged as a shining example of faith and selflessness. In the face of persecution, he courageously distributed the Church's wealth to the city's poor, believing in the words of Jesus that they were blessed and loved. When the emperor demanded the Church's gold and silver, Lawrence presented him with the true treasures of the Church—the poor themselves. This act of defiance led to his brutal martyrdom, as he was burned alive on a griddle. His unwavering faith and sacrificial love inspired massive conversions to Christianity.
Today, Saint Lawrence serves as a remarkable role model for families, teaching them the importance of compassion, selflessness, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. His story encourages families to recognize the value of every individual, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, and to live out their faith in daily acts of love and service. Saint Lawrence's life and death remind us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on others and contribute to the spread of God's love in the world.
Patron Saint of Rome, Canada, Sri Lanka, against fire, against lumbago, archives and archivists, armories and armorers, barbecues, brewers, butchers, comedians, cooks, chefs and restaurant owners, cutlers, deacons, glaziers and stained glass workers, laundry workers, libraries and librarians, miners, the poor, seminarians, students, tanners, viticulturists, and wine makers and sellers.
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Celebrate the feast by doing the following:- Lighting a candle in prayer
- Learn more about Saint Lawrence from Franciscan Media.
- Attend mass.
- As a family, offer prayers for the poor and suffering.
- Make a donation to a local food pantry to feed the hungry.
- Consider cleaning out old clothes and toys to donate to those in need.
- Print and color:
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The Solemnity of the Assumption
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
The celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a significant day for Catholics worldwide. It commemorates the belief that Mary, after completing her earthly life, was taken up body and soul into heaven by God. The dogma of the Assumption, declared by Pope Pius XII in 1950, affirms this belief as a truth revealed by God. The Assumption holds great importance because it signifies the unique and essential role of Mary in the work of salvation. Through her obedience and acceptance of God's plan, she became the mother of Jesus, the Redeemer of humankind. The Assumption also anticipates the resurrection of all believers and their eventual union with God in eternal glory. Mary's Assumption is seen as a preview of what awaits believers in the afterlife, inspiring hope and affirming the value of every human life. As Catholics, we celebrate this feast by honoring Mary's virtues and recognize her pivotal role in God's plan for humanity.
Celebrate the solemnity by doing the following:- Praying the Glorious Mysteries of the rosary
- Attend mass and invite a family member or friend to join you as it is an obligation.
- Print out coloring and activity sheets using the links bellow:
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Did you know?
August marks the beginning of the harvest season. Blessing your herb garden on the Solemnity of the Assumption is an old Germanic tradition that quickly spread through Medeval Europe and harkens back to agrarian societies that relied on the bount of the harvest to eat and live. So, if you have an herb garden, consider blessing it with this prayer today.
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Almighty everlasting God, who by your word alone brought into being the heavens, earth, sea, things seen and things unseen, and garnished the earth with plants and trees for the use of man and beast; who appointed each species to bring forth fruit in its kind, not only for the food of living creatures, but for the healing of sick bodies as well; with mind and word we urgently call on you in your great kindness to bless these various herbs, thus increasing their natural powers with the newly given grace of your blessing. May they keep away disease and adversity from men and beasts who use them in your name; through Christ our Lord.
Amen
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Feast of St. Louis, King of France
Patron of the Archdiocese of New Orleans
Friday, August 25, 2023
Saint Louis IX, King of France reigned as the King of France from 1226 until his death in 1270. Born in 1214, he ascended to the throne at the age of 12 and was known for his protection of the clergy, enforcement of laws against blasphemy, and neutral stance in international disputes. He implemented significant reforms in the French legal system, established institutions such as the Sorbonne and monasteries, led crusades, and left a lasting impact on medieval France's economic and political landscape. Saint Louis is known for his patronage of the arts and influence on Gothic art and architecture. Canonized as a saint in 1297, his legacy as a Christian monarch and his influence on medieval France continue to earn admiration and respect.
Known as the patron saint of France; the French monarchy; barbers; construction workers; difficult marriages; distillers; embroiderers, hair stylists; parenthood and parents of large families; prisoners; sculptors; sick people; soldiers; stone masons; tertiaries; architecture; the Third Order of St. Francis; the Archdiocese of New Orleans; and the Archdiocese of Saint Louis.
Celebrate the feast by doing the following:- Visiting the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France.
- Attend mass.
- Learn more about the life of Saint Louis:
- Donate to a homeless shelter or food pantryto help the poor
- Consider making a visit or contribution to a local hospital or nursing home.
- Reflect and pray with the family on living God's will in each station of life.
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