June 2025 Feasts and Celebrations
JUNE 2
SAINTS MARCELLINUS AND PETER, MARTYR
Saints Marcellinus and Peter are included among the saints of the Roman Canon as mention of their names are included in the oldest Euharistic prayer. Marcellus, a priest, and Peter, an exorcist, were both beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. An epitaph was written by Pope Damasus based on the report of their executor. Constantine erected a basilica over where they are buried in Rome.
JUNE 3
SAINT CHARLES LWANGA AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
The patron saint of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa, Saint Charles Lwanga. His courage and faith in God inspired African youths to remain chaste and faithful. Because of his unwillingness to submit to immoral acts, and his efforts to safeguard friends from the sexual demands of Bagandan ruler, Mwanga, he was burned to death. Pope Paul VI canonized these 22 martyrs on October 18, 1964.
JUNE 5
SAINT BONIFACE, BISHOP AND MARTYR
Known as the apostle of the Germans, St. Boniface was a Benedictine monk who devoted his life to the conversion of Germanic tribes. He was instructed to reform the German Church. He was tasked to restore the clergy’s obedience to their bishops in union with the Pope, and establish houses of prayer. While successful, he encountered opposition, which ultimately led to his massacre along with 53 companions.
JUNE 6
SAINT NORBERT, BISHOP
Saint Norbert was the founder of a religious order known as Premonstratensians, or the Norbertines. The order was tasked with challenges including heresies, particularly with the Blessed Sacrament, as well as revitalizing the faithful. He recognized that nothing could be done without the power of God. He found strength in his deep devotion to the sacrament. He and his religious order never forgot to praise God for whatever success they had in converting people, reconciling enemies, and building faith.
Reluctantly, Saint Norbert became an Archbishop in Southern Germany and sought reform of the clergy and laity. He courageously continued his work until his death in 1134.
JUNE 8
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Pentecost is held on the seventh Sunday of Easter, concluding the season, and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus Christ after His Ascension into heaven. While the apostles, Mary, and the first disciples of Jesus were gathered in the Upper Room praying, a strong, driving wind filled the room as tongues of fire came to rest on their heads. This allowed them to speak different languages so they could understand each other. The Holy Spirit gave them gifts to fulfill the great commission of God, which was to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations.
We hear the promise of Jesus to His disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit to give them strength and wisdom, thus the events of Pentecost were a fulfillment of this prophecy.
During this feast day, priests typically wear red vestments as a symbol of God’s burning love and the tongues of fire that descended on the apostles. Pentecost is known as the birthday of the Church.
JUNE 9
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF THE CHURCH
The Blessed Virgin Mary, honored as Mother of the Church, is commemorated annually on the Monday after Pentecost. Pope Francis instituted this feast in 2018 to foster a deeper appreciation for the Church’s maternal character and to encourage authentic devotion to Mary.
JUNE 11
ST. BARNABAS
Saint Barnabas was a Jewish man of Cyprus, who was closely associated with Saint Paul. He was sent as an official representative of the church of Jerusalem in Antioch. Later Paul and Barnabas were sent to preach to the Gentiles. They were expelled from one town and were estranged from each other at one point. He is described as one who dedicated his life to Christ. Saint Barnabas was a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit.
JUNE 13
SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Anthony of Padua was a servant of God who joined the Augustinians in Lisbon. Giving up a future of wealth and power, he entered the Franciscan Order and preached to the Moors. He is the patron saint of lost items and known as a defender of the faith. Saint Anthony is recognized as a Doctor of the Church for his theological insights.
JUNE 15
THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY
The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity or Trinity Sunday is celebrated on the Sunday following Pentecost. The Blessed Trinity is the center of the Christian faith. It’s the mystery of God in three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
God reveals Himself as the Almighty Father who sent His son Jesus Christ to earth in human form to die for our sins. The Holy Spirit is God’s guiding light to provide wisdom and courage. On Trinity Sunday, the Church proclaims the truth of God, that He is love, and we are made for His love. We as Christians experience the presence of the Trinity and accept its reality.
The sign of the cross is based on our acknowledgement and faith in the Holy Trinity.
JUNE 19
SAINT ROMUALD, ABBOT
Saint Romuald founded monasteries and hermitages, including the Camaldoli in Tuscany. Here, the Order of the Camaldolese Benedictines was founded, blending the communal monastic life with the solitude of the eremitical tradition.
His reinvigorated faith helped him when he was wrongly accused of a scandalous crime. He endured his unjust sentence.
In his later years, Romuald’s own father entered monastic life, struggled with his commitment, and remained faithful through his son’s guidance and support.
JUNE 21
SAINT ALOYSIUS GONZAGA
At age seven, Saint Aloysius Gonzaga experienced a profound spiritual awakening. By the age of 11, he was teaching catechism to poor children and fasting three days a week.
After reading a book about the experience of Jesuit missionaries in India, he entered the Society of Jesus. He took to religious life. After a plague struck Rome, the Jesuits opened a hospital, where Aloysius helped nurse patients. As a result he caught the disease and died during the octave of Corpus Christi at the age of 23.
JUNE 22
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST (CORPUS CHRISTI)
The Feast of Corpus Christi, or the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ is a liturgical celebration honoring the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. It is observed by the Latin Church, as well as by some Western Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglican communities. It is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
JUNE 24
THE NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
The Nativity of John the Baptist commemorates the birth of John, a key prophetic figure in Christianity who foretold the coming of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Luke, John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple advanced in age and previously childless. An angel appeared to Zechariah in the temple, announcing that his wife would bear a son named John. Zechariah initially doubted the message and was rendered mute until the child’s birth. When John was born, Zechariah confirmed his name in writing, and his speech was miraculously restored. The event is celebrated on June 24 and highlights themes of divine intervention, prophecy, and preparation for the Messiah.
JUNE 27
THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolizes Christ’s deep love and compassion for humanity. It is often depicted as a heart surrounded by thorns, pierced, and radiating divine light. The devotion emphasizes Jesus’ mercy, sacrifice, and invitation to trust in His love. It was popularized through the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century.
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost, usually in June.
JUNE 28
THE IMMACULATE HEART OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
The Immaculate Heart of Mary represents her pure love for God and all people. It is often shown as a heart pierced with a sword, symbolizing her sorrow, and surrounded by roses, reflecting her virtues. This devotion emphasizes Mary’s compassion, obedience, and maternal care. It is closely linked to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, highlighting her role in salvation history. The Feast of the Immaculate Heart is celebrated the day after the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
JUNE 29
SAINTS PETER AND PAUL, APOSTLES
Saints Peter and Paul are two of the most important apostles in Christianity. Peter, a former fisherman, was the first Pope and leader of the early Church. Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a great missionary and theologian after his conversion. Both preached the Gospel boldly and were martyred in Rome. Their shared feast day on June 29 honors their leadership, faith, and sacrifice.
JUNE 30
THE FIRST MARTYRS OF THE HOLY ROMAN CHURCH
The First Martyrs of the Holy Roman Church were early Christians killed during Emperor Nero’s persecution around 64 A.D. They were falsely blamed for the Great Fire of Rome and suffered brutal deaths. Their courage and faith became a powerful witness to the early Church. They are honored on June 30.
