We are blessed to have a Catholic calendar that is vibrant with feast days. Some of these days have famous traditions; many are not as well-known. But every month of our calendar provides wonderful opportunities to honor the saints, and February is no exception.
In this month that celebrates love, let’s resolve to show more love to the saints in new and beautiful ways! Best of all, the celebration of these saints will keep us focused on heavenly things right up to the beginning of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday, February 17, this year. Here are 5 saints to celebrate this February…
1Think spring with St. Brigid
February 1 is the feast day of St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland. The Irish mark this feast of the death of St. Brigid as the start of spring, as it’s the time when lambs are awaiting birth in the bellies of ewes and buds are rising slowly upward from the seeds below ground.
Although February 1 is draped in noticeable winter for much of the world, it is a lovely reminder that the calendar is now moving toward longer and sunnier days, that spring will soon make its presence known just as Easter follows Lent. It is also a reminder that our darkest and most challenging days are marked with hope, and followed by growth and redemption if we keep the faith.
St. Brigid is a patron saint of the home, homemakers, and known for protecting the hearth of the home, bringing warmth to the cold. Here’s a great prayer to honor St. Brigid all February and would be great to pray while gathering the family around the hearth:
Since it’s tradition to give to those in need on St. Brigid’s day, decide as a family on a charity the family should give to in her honor, such as a pro-life organization or effort. (St. Brigid is a patroness of babies, adopted children, and the unborn).
St. Brigid founded a school of art credited with producing the Book of Kildare, a sacred illuminated manuscript of great beauty. She is also famous for converting a dying chieftain by forming reeds into the shape of a cross as she explained the faith. In Brigid’s honor, gather the children and teach them to make a St. Brigid’s Cross. As they work, read to them from Scripture or the Catechism, then play traditional Irish music. Here’s an easy way to make the St. Brigid’s Cross craft with pipe cleaners. And don’t forget to prepare some Irish treats such as St. Brigid’s oaten bread!
2Guard your health with St. Blaise
February 3 is the feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of throat ailments. On St. Blaise’s way to prison, he healed a choking child and became famous for protecting diseases of the throat. If possible, go to Mass and have your throat blessed.
To honor and celebrate St. Blaise, bishop and martyr, buy a few bags of throat lozenges, some tea and honey and drop off to family or friends as a way of marking the day and offering comfort to their throats. Why not serve St. Blaise’s cookies? At dinner, light a candle and invoke St. Blaise’s protection. Here’s an extremely easy recipe to serve in honor of St. Blaise for dessert.
3Get smarter with St. Scholastica
February 10 is the feast of St. Scholastica, the twin sister of St. Benedict. Under his rule, St. Scholastica founded an order for nuns. Her very name should remind you to pursue knowledge — so read a good book, or resolve to deepen your knowledge of some aspect of the faith on this day.
St. Scholastica was famous for her love of Benedict her brother. The story goes that she begged him to stay longer when he was visiting her, and though he initially refused, a thunderstorm arose, granting the holy siblings more time together. She died three days later and her devoted brother buried her in the tomb he’d reserved for himself. In honor of those saintly siblings, reach out to your own today and send them a message of love, or pray for them.
4Find healing in the Queen of All Saints, Our Lady of Lourdes
February 11 is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. As Queen of All Saints, Our Lady can be invoked under many titles. Under this one, she is known for the healing waters revealed to St. Bernadette. This is a wonderful day to pray for the healing of someone you know who may be sick or in need. Bless yourself and family members with holy water (Lourdes water if you have it!); perhaps even install a holy water fount in your home if you don’t have one. If you do, make sure to fill it up today!
5Show your love with St. Valentine
February 14 is the feast of St. Valentine. Though not much is known about this saint, what we do know is that he was a martyr who died for love of Jesus. So while giving chocolates and sending cards, remember that above all, this saint reminds us that there is no love more important than the love of God; there is no heart worth pursuing more than the Immaculate Heart of Mary and above all, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Whether you are married or single, in love or alone, this Valentine’s Day pursue and consecrate yourself to the Sacred Heart. Here’s a new book that will guide you through a 33-day Consecration to the Sacred Heart and simultaneously teach you to spot the signs and symbols God has left in your life … clues to guide you to his Sacred Heart.
May the saints of February bless, protect and guide you and your family!
Read more:
10 Saints who inspire and motivate the Aleteia team
And today we celebrate...