The Month of August: The Immaculate Heart, Feast Days, and Living Liturgically

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Suddenly we find ourselves in late Summer. The change of months comes with many changes: the length of days, the colors outside slowly beginning to shift, and in the Catholic Church, we enter into a new "theme". Traditionally, the Church has always celebrated some theme each month, inviting the faithful to lean into a particular mystery.

The theme for the month of August is: The Immaculate Heart.

This month we celebrate a few key Marian Feast Days among many prominent Feasts. Here is a snapshot at some of the most popular Feasts, Memorials, and even a Holy Day of Obligation this month.

August 4: Saint John Vianney

August 6: Transfiguration of Jesus

August 8: Saint Dominic

August 9: Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein)

August 11: Saint Clare of Assisi

August 14: Saint Maximilian Kolbe

August 15: The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION - meaning, you have to go to Mass this day)

August 22: The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

August 23: Saint Rose of Lima

August 27: Saint Monica

August 28: Saint Augustine

Could the month be any more loaded with power-house Saints? Unlikely.

So how do we enter into these feasts? What are some ways we can open our hearts to live liturgically in this month of August? Here are some simple ideas.

For the theme itself, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I would highly suggest what every many holier people before me have urged us to do, including our Blessed Mother herself. If you don't already pray the Rosary, this is a good time to commit to doing so. There is really no better way to draw nearer to our Blessed Mother, and to allow her to lead you to Christ in a new and beautiful way, than to meditate on the mysteries of His life, passion, death, and resurrection through the Heart of His Mother. Hand in hand with this, I would suggest you put your Brown Scapulars on. As Sister Lucia said, the Rosary and the Scapular are inseparable. Or as Saint Dominic said, whose feast day we celebrate this month, "one day, through the rosary and scapular, Mary will save the world". Let Mary swaddle you in her mantle and snuggle near to her Heart. You will never be the same.

The Feast of Saint Dominic: For starters, pray the rosary. Saint Dominic was the one that Mary entrusted the mysteries and message of the Rosary to. He preached with such fervor the power of this spiritual weapon. Additionally, this could be a great day to immerse yourself in the fruits of the Dominican order and the ways the Lord has blessed the Church through this order thanks be to Saint Dominic. Perhaps pick up a little of Thomas Aquinas, a true son of Saint Dominic, or look up one of Fr. Gregory Pine's videos on YouTube.

Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein): Another incredible Carmelite Saint. Here again I'd remind you of the beauty of the Brown Scapular, first. This Saint knew it and loved it well. We are blessed to have a plethora of writings from this glorious convert and martyr. Some of her writings include "The Science of the Cross", "Life in a Jewish Family" (her autobiography), "Essays on Woman" (lectures and essays on the vocation and dignity of women), and "The Hidden Life" (spiritual writings) among many more. If you're not in the mood to start or buy a new book, simply looking up excerpts prayerfully and bringing them to prayer or personal reflection is another simple way to enter into the feast day and get to know Saint Teresa better.

Feast of Saint Clare of Assisi: In case you don't know the story, when the convent of San Damiano in Assisi was being threatened by invading soldiers, Saint Clare of Assisi, though ill and weak, carried to the door of the convent the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance. Kneeling in prayer, she lifted the monstrance high, entrusting her Sisters and their safety to Christ. Miraculously, the soldiers were struck with fear and confusion, as if blinded by a dazzling light, and they quickly fled, leaving the convent unharmed. On this Feast Day, remember the beauty, power, and reality of the Blessed Sacrament. This is a wonderful day (like every day is, honestly) to go to Eucharistic Adoration and be with Christ in His True Presence there. Saint Clare also has some beautiful quotes to read and look up -- perhaps to bring to your time before the Blessed Sacrament.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe: Saint Maximilian Kolbe is a beloved Saint, known for his love of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He began the Militia Immaculata and wrote countless reflection on the Immaculate Conception. He is most famous for his heroic sacrifice of his life in place of another prisoner in the concentration camp. Leaving too much left unsaid, some ways to celebrate this feast day include reading some of his writings on the Immaculate Conception, be intentional about making some sacrifice for another in imitation of Maximilian Kolbe's great sacrifice, wear your miraculous medal (Saint Maximilian Kolbe had a great love for the miraculous medal), and tune in for a live discussion right on Qui Minimo on Instagram as I discuss the life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Marian Consecration with the Director of the new film on the Saint titled, "TRIUMPH OF THE HEART". Another fun idea is to make a Polish-inspired dish, as Saint Maximilian Kolbe was Polish.

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This is a holy day of obligation, so be sure to go to Mass on this one! Not to mention, Mass is and always will be the best way to participate in the liturgical life of the Church, as the Eucharist is the source and summit of our entire faith. There is no way we can get closer to heaven than during the Mass.

The Queenship of Mary: A simple way to celebrate the Queenship of Mary is a Marian coronation in your own home. You could make a small crown of flowers for a statue or image in your home, or simply find or make a small bouquet to set at her feet. These physical acts of devotion draw our hearts with them into the realities they remind us of.

Saint Monica & Saint Augustine: These two remind us that no sinner is too far gone, and of the power and true effect of intercessory prayer. Maybe between these two feast days, you could offer some prayer or small fast for someone you know who is far from the Lord.

These are just a few simple ideas for some of the beautiful feast days we celebrate this month of August. Comment below if you have any other ideas or traditions in your home or family. And be sure to share this with a friend that you think would love it, or that you want to live liturgically with this month.