Saints & Feast Days to Celebrate in July

CWM
Jul 2
3 min read

July is packed with some incredible Catholic feast days and saints worth celebrating. From apostles to mystics, July brings us a spiritual “hall of fame” to reflect on, learn from, and celebrate. Whether you're new to the liturgical calendar or just want a refresher, here's a friendly guide to some of the major saints and feast days of July.

MAJOR FEAST DAYS & SAINTS

JULY 1

St. Junípero Serra

A missionary who traveled from Spain to California in the 1700s, St. Junípero Serra founded many of the missions, that later became major cities. Have you heard of San Antonio, San Juan or San Buenaventura? St. Junípero Serra worked to spread the Gospel among Indigenous communities and is both admired and debated for his role in colonial history.

Fun fact: If you’ve been to California, you’ve likely driven past one of the missions he established!

JULY 3

St. Thomas the Apostle

Known famously as “Doubting Thomas,” because he did not believe in the resurrection and requested physical proof. When Christ reappeared and specifically asked Thomas to touch his wounds, Thomas proclaimed "My Lord and my God". He was the first to explicitly acknowledge Jesus' divinity. His story reminds us that faith can grow even through doubt, and that God meets us where we are.

Patron saint of architects and India.

JULY 6

St. Maria Goretti

At just 11 years old, St. Maria Goretti became one of the youngest saints canonized by the Church. She’s remembered for her purity, courage, and forgiveness of the man who attacked her, a powerful witness to mercy and grace.

JULY 15

St. Bonaventure

A brilliant Franciscan theologian and philosopher, St. Bonaventure was known as the “Seraphic Doctor.” He helped shape medieval theology and had a deep love for both reason and mysticism.

Patron saint of those studying theology and philosophy

JULY 16

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

This Marian feast honors Mary as the patroness of the Carmelite Order. Devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is closely associated with the Brown Scapular, a sign of Mary's protection and a call to live a life of faith.

Many Catholics wear the scapular as a sign of commitment to prayer and trust in Mary’s intercession.

JULY 22

St. Mary Magdalene

A close follower of Jesus and the first witness to the Resurrection, Mary Magdalene was once dismissed as merely “a repentant sinner,” but the Church now celebrates her as the “Apostle to the Apostles.”

Elevated in 2016 to a Feast Day, recognizing her key role in salvation history.

JULY 25

St. James the Greater, Apostle

One of Jesus’ closest companions, St. James was part of the inner circle with Peter and John. He was the first apostle to be martyred, and his remains are said to rest in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage.

Feeling adventurous? Walking the Camino is both a physical and spiritual journey that honors his legacy.

JULY 31

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Founder of the Jesuits (Society of Jesus), St. Ignatius was a soldier-turned-saint who brought military discipline to spiritual life. His Spiritual Exercises continue to guide people through retreats, discernment, and prayer.

Motto: “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” – For the Greater Glory of God.

As we soak up the sun this July, let’s also soak up some inspiration from these holy men and women. They came from different times, cultures, and walks of life, yet they all pointed their lives toward Christ and we are invited to do the same.

So whether you’re planning a road trip or a quiet retreat this summer, take a moment to get to know these saints. Say a prayer, light a candle, or just reflect on how their stories might speak to yours. You are called to be a saint too!

Ready to walk with the saints this summer? Choose one saint from July to learn more about or ask for their intercession and maybe share their story with someone today.

Let the Saints Inspire Your Giving. Just as the saints gave their lives in service to God and others, you can make a difference today. Your support helps us bring faith to more lives.

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