There are many wonderful saints whose Feast Days are celebrated in May. In this blog, we touch on 6 of them, 2 of which who share the same day. Each of these saints displayed unwavering devotion and dedication to their faith, with incredibly inspiring stories.
St Joseph the Worker – May 1st
St Joseph’s principal feast day is March 19th, however, as an ecclesiastical counterpart to International Workers Day on May 1st, the Feast of St Joseph the Worker began in 1955.
Although being Jesus’ foster father, in the Gospels, Jesus was referred to as the carpenter’s son. Joseph provided for his family through his manual labour and is a great source of inspiration about dedication to work.
It is believed that St Joseph died before Jesus began his public ministry, as he is absent from many of the significant events in Jesus’ life that are recorded in the Bible. This absence has led to the assumption that he passed away beforehand.
St Philip and St James – May 3rd
St Philip was called by Jesus to be an Apostle. He is known for bringing Nathanael to Jesus and inspiring his belief. He also played an active role in the miracle of feeding the 5000, which may explain his designation as the patron saint of pastry chefs and fisherman.
St James, also referred to as St James the Younger, was the author of the first Catholic Epistle. His mother Mary is believed to be a close relative of our Blessed Virgin. According to St Paul, St James was present as Jesus’ Resurrection.
It is believed that they share the same feast day as both of their relics were brought to Rome at the same time. They are also both important figures and pillars of the Church.
Our lady of Fatima – May 13th
May 13th marks the day that our Blessed Mother appeared to the children of Fatima, Portugal. She appeared to the three children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, many times over a 5-month period.
In Fatima, you can visit the exact stone where the Blessed Mother appeared to the Fatima children.
Our Lady is a symbol of protection, hope, and comfort for those who are suffering or are experiencing difficult times of uncertainty.
St Rita – May 22nd
St Rita was an Italian widow and Augustinian nun. Obedient to her parents, she married a man, despite her desire to enter religious life. Her husband converted through Rita’s example but was later murdered.
After his death, Rita attempted to enter the Augustinian convent but was initially refused due to her previous marriage. After some time, she was miraculously able to join the convent.
One day during a time of meditation on the Passion of Christ, she was pierced on her forehead with a thorn from the crown of thorns, which left a permanent wound.
St Mary Magdalene de Pazzi – May 25th
St Mary was a Carmelite born in Florence and is known for her devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and her intense mystical experiences.
At the age of 10 she made her First Communion and soon after vowed her virginity. Around the age of 16, she entered a Carmelite convent, and a year later received her habit.
She became seriously ill and was allowed to make her profession of religious vows in a private ceremony. Following this, she began experiencing daily ecstasies after receiving communion. Over 6 years her experiences were written down which filled 5 volumes. After her death, her body was deemed miraculously incorrupt.
