Fireworks

By Alyssa Bormes

We usually associate fireworks with the 4th 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:

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

6th – Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord

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

22nd – Memorial of the Queenship of the Virgin Mary

29th – Memorial of the Passion of John the Baptist

 

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

1st – St. Alphonsus de’Liguori

4th – St. John Vianny

8th – St. Dominic

9th – St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

11th – St. Clare of Assisi

14th – St. Maximilian Kolbe

18th – St. Helen

20th – St. Bernard of Clarivaux

21st – St. Pius X

23rd – St. Rose of Lima

24th – St. Bartholomew the Apostle

25th – St. Louis, King of France

27th – St. Monica

28th – 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!