Summer is mostly comprised of Ordinary Time, but ordinary time does not have to mean boredom-ary time. There are plenty of Saints with feast days over the summer whom you can befriend. Here are seventeen of them:
1. St. Boniface (June 5)
St. Boniface is the patron saint of Germany and is known for converting the germanic people and chopping down a tree associated with Thor (the pagan god, not the superhero)
2. St. Aloysius Gonzaga (June 21)
St. Aloysius Gonzaga was born into a noble family, but renounced his heritage in favor of becoming a Jesuit. He served in a hospital for the sick during an epidemic of the plague, eventually contracting and dying from the plague.
3 & 4. Sts. John Fisher and Thomas More (June 22)
Both pf the English saints were known for standing up for the Faith in the time of King Henry VIII’s declaration of himself as head of the Church in England.
5. St. Irenaeus (June 28)
Bishop of Lyons, Irenaeus was a great biblical scholar and played a role in finalizing the canon of the New Testament. He also fought against the heresies of the Gnostics and the Valentinians.
6 & 7. Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29)
The Apostles Saints Peter and Paul, who need no introduction, played a fundamental role in the early Church.
8. St. Junipero Serra (July 1)
A Spanish Fransiscan missionary, Junipero Serra is known for establishing many missions in California and standing up against the harsh treatment of the native population.
9. St. Thomas (July 3)
Most known for being the “doubting” Apostle, Saint Thomas is believed to have gone to India to spread the Gospel.
10. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (July 4)
Born into a wealthy family, Pier Giorgio Frassati used his wealth to care for the poor in his community.
11. St. Elizabeth of Portugal (July 5)
Married to King Denis of Portugal, she was known for establishing hospitals, orphanges, and other institutions. She even provided for the education of her husband’s illegitimate children.
12. St. Benedict (July 11)
Saint Benedict was one of the great saints of the Church and is known for starting the Benedictines. His Rule of St. Benedict is quite popular (to put it mildly).
13. St. Henry (July 13)
St. Henry was the Holy Roman Emperor and is noted for his support of reforms in the Church, encouraging missionary activity, and establishing many monasteries.
14. St. Kateri Tekakwitha
After turning down many offers of marriage, Saint Kateri was baptized at the age of 20 and died at the age of 24. Yet, in that short time, she grew in holiness through bodily mortification and intense prayer.
15. St. Mary Magdalen (July 22)
Much could be said about Mary Magdalen, but it is noteworthy that she had seven devils cast from her by Jesus, was present at the Crucifixion, and was the first to whom the Risen Christ appeared.
16 & 17. Sts. Joachim and Anne (July 26)
Grandparents of Jesus. ’nuff said.
What saints did we miss? Share your favorite summertime saints in the comments!
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