January Feast Days (Holy Name of Jesus, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton + More)

Monthly Overview:

• Monthly Devotion: The Holy Name of Jesus

• January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

• January 3: The Holy Name of Jesus

• January 4: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

• January 21: St. Agnes of Rome

• January 28: St. Thomas Aquinas

• January 30: St. John Bosco

• January 31: St. Ulphia

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Feast Day: January 1

Fun Facts:

• This feast is one of the oldest in the Church, dating back to the early centuries of Christianity.

• Mary is celebrated as the Theotokos, which means "God-bearer" or "Mother of God."

• This day is also designated as the World Day of Peace by the Church.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pray the Hail Mary or the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a family.

• Create a Marian centerpiece with flowers and candles to honor Mary.

• Discuss Mary’s role in salvation history with your children.

• Read a story or watch a video about Mary’s life.

• Make a peace-themed craft or prayer intention for the World Day of Peace.

About the Feast:

The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, highlights Mary’s unique role in salvation as the mother of Jesus, fully God and fully man. Declared at the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD, this title honors her as the mother of the divine Word made flesh. This feast reminds us of Mary’s obedience to God’s will and her maternal care for all of us as the spiritual mother of the Church. Celebrating this solemnity at the start of the year invites us to seek her intercession and strive for peace in our lives and the world.

The Holy Name of Jesus

Feast Day: January 3 (Also the devotion for the entire month of January!)

Fun Facts:

• The name of Jesus means "God saves."

• This feast day was officially added to the Church calendar in 1721.

• Saying the name of Jesus reverently is considered a prayer in itself.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Put together our FREE Holy Name of Jesus Paper Craft from our NEW Catholic Creativity Corner!

• Pray the Litany of the Holy Name as a family.

• Teach your children to say Jesus’ name reverently when they pray.

• Write the name "Jesus" on a piece of paper and decorate it beautifully.

• Spend time meditating on the meaning of the name of Jesus.

About the Feast:

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus calls us to reflect on the sacred name of our Savior. Early Christians held a deep reverence for the name of Jesus, believing it carried immense power and holiness. Saints like St. Bernardine of Siena popularized this devotion, and it continues to remind us of the profound love and mercy of God. By calling on Jesus’ name, we invite His presence into our hearts and lives, making this feast a beautiful way to start the year with prayer and devotion.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Feast Day: January 4

Fun Facts:

• She was the first American-born saint.

• St. Elizabeth founded the Sisters of Charity and the first free Catholic school in America.

• She converted to Catholicism after the death of her husband.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Write thank-you notes to teachers in honor of her contributions to Catholic education.

• Learn about the history of Catholic schools.

• Read a children’s book about her life.

• Make a paper bonnet craft to symbolize her time period.

• Pray for Catholic schools and their students.

About the Saint:

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s journey to sainthood began in 1774 in New York City. Born into a wealthy Anglican family, she married William Seton and had five children. After her husband’s death, Elizabeth converted to Catholicism, a decision that led to social and financial struggles. Despite these challenges, she established the Sisters of Charity and founded the first free Catholic school in the U.S., paving the way for Catholic education in America. Her life exemplifies trust in God’s plan, even amidst trials, and her legacy continues to inspire educators and families.

St. Agnes of Rome

Feast Day: January 21

Fun Facts:

• St. Agnes was only 12 years old when she was martyred.

• Her name means “lamb,” symbolizing her purity and innocence.

• She is often depicted holding a lamb, representing her devotion to Christ.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Make a lamb craft in her honor.

• Read her story and discuss her bravery.

• Bake lamb-shaped cookies or treats.

• Pray for purity and courage in your family.

• Light a candle and reflect on her faith.

About the Saint:

St. Agnes lived during the early days of the Church when Christians faced severe persecution. Known for her beauty, many sought her hand in marriage, but she vowed her life and purity to Christ. Refusing to renounce her faith, she suffered martyrdom at a young age. Her courage and steadfast devotion made her a beloved saint, especially among young people. St. Agnes reminds us of the power of faith, even in the face of immense trials, and her feast day encourages us to pray for strength and trust in God.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Feast Day: January 28

Fun Facts:

• He is one of the greatest theologians in Church history.

• St. Thomas wrote the "Summa Theologica," a comprehensive guide to theology.

• His profound intellect and wisdom earned him recognition as one of the Church’s greatest thinkers.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Read a short quote from his writings and discuss its meaning.

• Make a craft featuring a dove or a light bulb to symbolize wisdom.

• Learn a simple prayer, like the “Tantum Ergo,” written by St. Thomas.

• Create a family discussion about faith and reason.

• Pray for wisdom and understanding in your family.

About the Saint:

St. Thomas Aquinas, born in Italy in 1225, was a Dominican friar and a brilliant theologian. Despite his family’s opposition to his vocation, he joined the Dominicans and devoted his life to teaching and writing about the faith. His "Summa Theologica" remains one of the Church’s most important theological works, blending reason and revelation. A humble and prayerful man, St. Thomas often spent hours in adoration, seeking divine guidance. His feast day invites us to explore the richness of our faith and ask for his intercession in understanding God’s truth.

St. John Bosco

Feast Day: January 30

Fun Facts:

• He is the patron saint of youth and educators.

• St. John Bosco founded the Salesian Order to serve poor and neglected boys.

• He believed in teaching through kindness and creativity.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Host a family game night in his honor.

• Learn about his life and his work with youth.

• Create a “kindness jar” to encourage acts of kindness.

• Organize a mini talent show to highlight your children’s gifts.

• Pray for teachers and mentors.

About the Saint:

St. John Bosco was born in Italy in 1815. From a young age, he felt called to serve youth, especially those living in poverty. Using games, storytelling, and kindness, he reached countless boys, offering them education and a path to holiness. He founded the Salesian Order, dedicated to caring for young people and spreading the Gospel. St. John Bosco’s approach to teaching—through love and joy—continues to inspire educators worldwide. His feast day reminds us of the importance of nurturing children with compassion and faith.

St. Ulphia

Feast Day: January 31

Fun Facts:

• St. Ulphia lived in France during the 8th century.

• She was a hermit known for her devotion to prayer and service.

• Her life was marked by humility and simplicity.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Learn about her life and the importance of quiet devotion.

• Spend a few moments in silent prayer as a family.

• Make a simple craft, like a paper dove, to symbolize peace and humility.

• Read about hermit saints and their unique way of life.

• Pray for those who dedicate their lives to prayer and solitude.

About the Saint:

St. Ulphia was a French hermit who lived in the 8th century, devoting her life to prayer and contemplation. She served others through her wisdom and intercessory prayers. Known for her simplicity and humility, St. Ulphia reminds us of the beauty of a quiet, faith-filled life focused on God. Though little is known about her, her witness inspires us to seek solitude with Christ and serve others with a generous heart.