There are many wonderful saints whose Feast Days are celebrated in March. In this blog, we touch on six of them. Each of these saints displayed unwavering devotion and dedication to their faith, many ultimately dying for their faith.
Saint Katharine Drexel – March 3rd
Born in Philadelphia, Katharine grew up in a devout Catholic family. Early on, she had a strong sense of responsibility and compassion for those around her, and in particular the less fortunate. During the 1880s, she noticed the extent of poverty and deprivation experienced by the Native Americans and African Americans during a trip to the Western US with her family.
It was this trip and experience that led Katharine to live a life dedicated to serving marginalised communities. She joined the Sisters of Mercy and later founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, which was approved by Pope Leo XIII.
Due to her family’s wealth, through her inheritance Katharine was able to establish schools, mission and institutions for struggling communities. She died at age 96 in 1955 and was later canonised by Pope John Paul II in 2000.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity – March 7th
Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and her enslaved servant, Felicity, both lived in the Roman province of Africa around 203 AD. They shared a special bond of their dedication to the Christian faith.
Both were arrested with other companions for refusing to renounce their faith amid persecution. Additionally, Felicity was pregnant at the time which added additional challenges, due to Roman law prohibiting the execution of pregnant women. This resulted in Felicity praying that she would have the baby before the execution so she could be martyred with her friends. Two days before the execution, she gave birth.
Perpetua and Felicity and their companions were led into an area to confront wild animals, as a public execution method, and have become a symbol of devotion.
Saint Patrick – March 17th
In 387 CE, Patrick was born into a wealthy family. During his teenage years, he was captured during a raid and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his captivity, Patrick turned to the Christian faith for strength and support, and after six years he escaped and returned home to his family.
Some time later, Patrick had a vision which prompted his return to Ireland as a missionary. He entered the priesthood and was later ordained as a bishop. His teachings significantly contributed to shaping the Christian identity in Ireland
He is often depicted with a three-leaf clover as he used them as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity. He is remembered for his dedication to spreading the Gospel.
Saint Joseph – March 19th
Joseph, a carpenter, lived in Nazareth and was betrothed to Mary after an angel appeared to him in a dream. In this dream, it was revealed to him that Mary would conceive a child through the Holy Spirit, and that he would be the child’s earthly father. The pair were married before the arrival of the Son of God.
There is not a lot of information about Joseph recorded in the Bible. However, it is certain that he fulfilled the vital role of protecting and providing for Mary and Jesus. It is believed that he may have died before Jesus’ years of public ministry.
Joseph is a role model of fatherhood, devotion, acceptance and trust. He is the patron saint of fathers, workers, carpenters, and the universal Church.
Saint Oscar Romero – March 24th
Oscar was born in 1917 and at the age of twelve became an apprentice carpenter. He later entered the seminary to study for the priesthood and was ordained during the Second World War.
In 1977, he was appointed Archbishop of San Salvador. After a close friends assassination, Oscar became an outspoken critic of the government and did everything he could to bring an end to violence and injustice.
Oscar advocated for the poor, oppressed and vulnerable, and challenged the injustices and violence of the unjust governments and military of his time. While celebrating Mass, Oscar was shot by a sniper.