July 29

St. Martha

The sister of Mary and Lazarus who welcomed Jesus into her home and made the confession: "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God." Her tension with Mary over prayer versus service has made her a touchstone in every discussion of the active and contemplative life. She is the patron saint of hosts and homemakers.

Why it matters for your parish: Martha's question to Jesus about why Mary sits while she works is one of the most relatable Gospel moments — it speaks to every busy person in the pew. Her forgotten confession of faith rivals Peter's.

Graphics for this saint are coming soon.