From the Vine ~ Fireworks!

By Alyssa Bormes

We usually associate fireworks with the 4^th of July – and for good reason, we can be very thankful for the foundation of our country. However, I think we should spend all of August, night after night with sparklers and Roman candles. Have you taken a look at the luminaries who are patron saints of August? Plus there are other feasts, and even one Solemnity!

Let’s take a look at a few days:

5^th – Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

6^th – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

15^th – Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

22^nd – Memorial of the Queenship of the Virgin Mary

29^th – Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist

Then let’s take a look at a few Patron Saints:

1^st – St. Alphonsus de’Liguori

4^th – St. John Vianny

8^th – St. Dominic

9^th – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

11^th – St. Clare of Assisi

14^th – St. Maximilian Kolbe

18^th – St. Helen

20^th – St. Bernard of Clarivaux

21^st – St. Pius X

23^rd – St. Rose of Lima

24^th – St. Bartholomew the Apostle

25^th – St. Louis, King of France

27^th – St. Monica

28^th – St. Augustine

Everyone in this list has somehow had an influence on my life. For example, my great-grandma dedicated the safety of her pregnancy and delivery of my grandma to St. Rose of Lima. My very life is lived in thanksgiving for her intercession. Perhaps you have one of them to thank as well.

We may not be able to have a full pyrotechnic display that each Saint and Feast deserves, but we each have a prayer and a candle we could light. Every flame can be a reminder of our gratitude and love.

All you holy men and women, pray for us!