May is traditionally devoted to Mary, the Mother of God. It’s a time for crowning statues of Mary, praying the Rosary, and drawing close to our heavenly Mother.

✨ Key May Feast Days & Saints

• May 3 – Saints Philip and James the Lesser, Apostles

• May 13 – Our Lady of Fatima

• May 14 – Saint Matthias the Apostle

• May 15 – Saint Isidore the Farmer

• May 19 – Saint Ives

 

May 3 – Saints Philip and James the Lesser, Apostles

About the Feast

These two apostles are celebrated together because they share a common feast day and played foundational roles in the early Church. Though not as well-known as others, their steadfast faith and service left lasting legacies.

Fun Facts

 

St. Philip

1. First to be directly called by Jesus in John’s Gospel.

2. Introduced Nathaniel (Bartholomew) to Jesus.

3. Present at the Feeding of the 5,000.

4. Tradition says he preached in Greece and Syria.

St. James the Lesser

1. Called “Lesser” likely due to age or stature.

2. Considered a cousin of Jesus.

3. First Bishop of Jerusalem.

4. Possibly wrote the Epistle of James.

Ways to Celebrate

• Act out a Bible Scene: Re-enact the calling of the apostles using simple costumes.

• Color Apostles’ Shields: Design family crest-style shields for each apostle.

• Say the Apostles’ Creed as a family prayer.

• Create Apostle Cards with facts about each apostle to learn and share.

 

May 13 – Our Lady of Fatima

About the Feast

In 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, calling for prayer, penance, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart. This feast celebrates Mary’s message of peace and conversion.

Fun Facts

1. Appeared to children Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.

2. Visited them six times between May and October 1917.

3. Requested the daily Rosary.

4. Performed the "Miracle of the Sun" witnessed by thousands.

5. Jacinta and Francisco are now saints!

Ways to Celebrate

• Pray a decade of the Rosary as a family.

• Make a Mary Garden with Marian flowers like lilies or roses.

• Read the Story of Fatima with child-friendly picture books.

• Create a “Sun Craft” to recall the Miracle of the Sun using paper plates and paint.

• Hold a mini-Marian procession around your backyard with flowers and Marian hymns.

 

May 14 – Saint Matthias the Apostle

 

About the Feast

Saint Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after Jesus’ Ascension. His election reminds us that God can call anyone—quiet or unseen—to great mission.

Fun Facts

1. Chosen by casting lots after prayer.

2. Witnessed Jesus’ ministry from the beginning.

3. Tradition says he preached in Ethiopia.

4. Martyred for his faith.

Ways to Celebrate

• "Casting Lots" Game: Learn about the apostles’ method using coins or cards (just for fun!).

• Mission Map: Trace where the apostles preached after Pentecost.

• Bake “Matthias Muffins” and discuss God’s unique calling.

• Have kids draw pictures of themselves as apostles to show their own calling to follow Jesus.

 

May 15 – Saint Isidore the Farmer

 

About the Feast

Saint Isidore was a humble Spanish farm worker known for his deep faith, love for the poor, and miraculous help from angels in the fields. He’s the patron of farmers and rural communities.

Fun Facts

1. Lived in the 12th century near Madrid, Spain.

2. Attended daily Mass before work.

3. Known for miracles like angelic helpers plowing for him.

4. Patron of farmers and rural laborers.

Ways to Celebrate

• Plant seeds or start a small garden.

• Make a bird feeder from recycled materials, honoring his care for animals.

• Pray for farmers and those who grow our food.

• Go on a nature walk and thank God for creation.

 

May 19 – Saint Ives

About the Feast

Saint Ives was a 13th-century French priest and lawyer known as the “Advocate of the Poor.” He used his legal knowledge to defend those without a voice.

Fun Facts

1. Born in Brittany, France, in 1253.

2. Studied civil and canon law.

3. Became a priest and legal advocate for the poor.

4. Patron saint of lawyers and the wrongly accused.

Ways to Celebrate

• Act out a pretend “Kindness Courtroom” where kids settle imaginary disputes with fairness and virtue.

• Draw pictures of helping someone in need.

• Donate to a food bank or clothing drive as a family.

• Pray for those who defend justice and truth.

   

May is full of grace, wonder, and opportunities to grow in faith as a family. Through stories, crafts, and prayers, help your little ones see the saints not just as figures from the past—but as friends and heroes cheering them on from heaven!