As we
begin 2019, and celebrate the New Year, we look forward to celebrating many
Saint Days. Here are just a few of our favorite January Feast Days.
The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God – January 1
January 1st, New Year’s Day, is a Holy day of
Obligation in the Catholic Church as we celebrate the Feast of Mary, the Mother
of God, also known as the “Solemnity of Mary”. The feast celebrates and honors
Mary’s motherhood of Jesus. Once celebrated as the Octave of the Nativity, the
feast has been celebrated for the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary for
centuries.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton – January 4
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is the first American Saint. Born
in New York City in 1774, Elizabeth Ann Seton went on to establish the first
Catholic School for Girls in the United States, in Emmitsburg, Maryland. She is
the patron Saint of Catholic Schools, and the State of Maryland. She was
canonized by Pope John Paul VI in 1975. Her remains are entombed at the
National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, which can be
visited on a Pilgrimage to the Shrine of the East Coast.
Saint Genevieve of Paris – January 3
Saint Genevieve is the Patron Saint of Paris credited for
protecting and saving the city of Paris through prayer on multiple occasions.
Born in 419 AD, Saint Genevieve died in 512 AD, and is buried at
Saint-Etienne-du-Mont. Visit Paris on one of our many
Pilgrimages to France.
Saint Sebastian – January 20
Saint Sebastian is the Patron Saint of Soldiers, Archers,
and Athletes - and worshiped as a protector against plague. Persecuted for his
faith, he was famously tied to a tree and shot with arrows, which he survived.
Saint Sebastian was born in Narbonne, France and died in Rome in 288 AD. Saint
Andrew’s Basilica in Arthunkal India is a major 16th century
international Shrine built in his honor. He is also known as “Sebastian of
Milan”, or simply as “The Martyr” and his Feast day is celebrated on January 20th.
Celebrate the New Year with
these Saints in mind!