June is a month bursting with beauty, both in nature and in the life of the Church! As summer blooms, we are invited to grow closer to Jesus through powerful devotions and inspiring saintly examples. This month’s devotion and feast days highlight young courage, royal humility, and apostolic faith.

🌹 Monthly Devotion: The Sacred Heart of Jesus

June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beautiful devotion centered on the deep, unending love of Christ for all humanity.

Fun Facts:

• The image of the Sacred Heart often shows Jesus’ heart aflame and surrounded by a crown of thorns—signs of His passionate love and His suffering.

• St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a 17th-century French nun, was instrumental in spreading this devotion.

• The devotion includes the “First Friday” practice—receiving Communion on the first Friday of each month.

• Jesus made 12 promises to those who honor His Sacred Heart, including peace in families and comfort in trials.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Make a paper Sacred Heart craft with flames and a crown of thorns.

• Say the Litany of the Sacred Heart together as a family.

• Color a Sacred Heart image and place it on your home altar.

• Bake heart-shaped cookies and talk about how Jesus loves each of us.

• Write a thank-you note to Jesus expressing gratitude for His love.

About the Devotion:

The Sacred Heart devotion reminds us that Jesus’ love is personal and tender. Through His pierced heart, He shows mercy and invites us to trust in Him completely. Especially in June, we reflect on that love and renew our commitment to live for Him.

✝️ June 3 – St. Kizito

Fun Facts:

• St. Kizito was only 14 years old when he was martyred—he’s the youngest Catholic martyr in Africa.

• He was one of the Ugandan Martyrs, a group of Christian converts killed for their faith between 1885–1887.

• He was baptized just the day before he died.

• Kizito is the patron saint of children and primary schools in Africa.

• His calm and joyful demeanor made him beloved among the other Christian boys.

   

Ways to Celebrate:

• Act out a short skit about standing up for Jesus like Kizito did.

• Make a paper flame or crown to represent martyrdom and heavenly reward.

• Say a prayer for persecuted Christians around the world.

• Read a children’s book or watch a video about the Ugandan Martyrs.

• Talk about bravery and when your child has had to do the right thing, even when it was hard.

About Kizito: St. Kizito’s story is a shining example of youthful faith and courage. In the face of danger, he clung to his newfound love for Christ. His feast day encourages us to teach our children that holiness is possible at any age—and that standing firm in faith is a heroic act.

👑 June 15 – Blessed Yolanda of Poland

Fun Facts:

• Bl. Yolanda was a Hungarian princess who became a Polish duchess.

• She was the sister of St. Kinga and niece of St. Elizabeth of Hungary—a truly saintly family!

• After her husband’s death, she became a Poor Clare nun and lived in humility and prayer.

• She was known for building hospitals and helping the poor.

• Her feast is celebrated especially in Poland and Hungary.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Create a “crown of service” craft—write acts of kindness on each jewel.

• Have a tea party with a focus on kindness and sharing, like a royal family would!

• Learn about other holy women in your family or make a “holy family tree.”

• Pray a decade of the Rosary for the poor and sick.

• Donate gently used items to a shelter in her honor.

About Bl. Yolanda:

Despite her royal status, Yolanda lived simply and served generously. She reminds us that we’re all called to help others, no matter our place in life. Her life shows how holiness is often rooted in everyday acts of kindness and love.

⛵ June 29 – St. Peter the Apostle

Fun Facts:

• St. Peter was a fisherman before Jesus called him.

• His name was originally Simon, but Jesus renamed him Peter, meaning “rock.”

• He was the first Pope of the Catholic Church.

• Peter is often shown holding keys, symbolizing the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

• Although he denied Jesus three times, he later gave his life as a martyr in Rome.

   

Ways to Celebrate:

• Make fish-shaped cookies or gold “keys” out of cardboard.

• Act out the Gospel story where Peter walks on water (and sinks!).

• Create a “Papal Keys” necklace with string and beads.

• Play “rock or sand” games based on the parable of the wise builder.

• Say a prayer for the Pope and Church leaders.

About St. Peter:

St. Peter’s life is full of ups and downs, but his deep love for Jesus shines through. He shows us that even when we fail, Jesus forgives and invites us to try again. As the first Pope, Peter reminds us of the importance of staying connected to the Church and trusting in God’s plan.

Let us grow in love this June!

June offers us wonderful opportunities to grow in love and faith as a family. Whether honoring the Sacred Heart, remembering St. Kizito’s bravery, embracing Bl. Yolanda’s humility, or learning from St. Peter’s trust—each celebration invites us to become more like Jesus. Don’t worry about doing everything perfectly. Pick one or two activities that suit your family, and most importantly, do them with love.