Catholicbook/St.Raphael

June 24th, we celebrate a rare and beautiful feast: The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.

Did you know that the Church usually celebrates saints on the day they died (their birth into heaven)?

There are only three exceptions whose earthly births we celebrate: Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and St. John the Baptist. This is because John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth, leaping in his mother Elizabeth’s womb at the sound of Mary’s voice.

John’s entire life was a flashing neon sign pointing directly to Jesus. He was the “voice crying out in the desert,” preparing the way for the Messiah.

There is a beautiful symbolism to this feast day, too. It takes place right after the summer solstice. From this point on, the days begin to grow shorter and the light decreases—perfectly mirroring John’s own mission to step back so Christ could take center stage.

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These beautiful wood cutting boards make the perfect gift for weddings, bridal showers, or housewarmings.

Stop by this week to browse our full collection of unique gifts for every occasion.

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Did you get it right?

The correct answer is B. Pontmain.

They claimed an “invisible Madonna in the sky” prevented them from finishing the war.

June 21st, we celebrate the Feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of Christian youth and caregivers.

Born into a wealthy, powerful Italian noble family during the Renaissance, Aloysius had a future lined with luxury, military glory, and political power. But he wanted something greater. Defying his father’s intense pressure, he signed away his inheritance and joined the Jesuits.

He didn’t just give up his wealth—he gave his life. When a devastating plague hit Rome, Aloysius didn’t run away. He went straight into the hospitals, washing and caring for the dying, until he caught the disease himself and died at just 23 years old.

His life is a powerful reminder that true greatness isn’t found in what the world offers us, but in how radically we give ourselves away for others.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga, pray for us! 🙏

This month Barb has selected St. Hildegard’s Garden as the book of the month!

This book details the life and holistic health philosophies of Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century mystic, scholar, and pioneer of European phytotherapy who used nature to heal both body and soul.

It provides modern readers with practical advice, recipes, and gardening instructions to faithfully apply her centuries-old remedies for improved physical and spiritual well-being.

Grab your copy in-store or online at catholicbook.net

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Did you get it right?

The correct answer is B. Build a Nest.

Matt 13 - “It becomes a large bush, and the ‘birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.”

On June 11th, we celebrate the Feast of St. Barnabas.

His birth name was Joseph, but the Apostles changed it to Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement”—and he certainly lived up to it! Barnabas was the ultimate bridge-builder.

When the early Church was terrified of the newly converted Saul (St. Paul), it was Barnabas who stood up for him, walked him into the community, and vouched for his genuine change of heart.

He didn’t need to be the main spotlight; he was overjoyed to mentor Paul and watch the Gospel spread to the ends of the earth.

He reminds us that our words and encouragement have the power to change the trajectory of someone else’s life.

St. Barnabas, pray for us! 🙏

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It’s packed with spiritual growth resources that you can stream anytime, anywhere.

If you couldn’t make it to our in-person gatherings, you can catch many of the replays on our YouTube channel.

Tune in for:
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Head over to YouTube and search catholicbook.net to subscribe and start watching today!

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Did you get it right?
The correct answer is C. 14th.

When it was evening, Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Joseph wrapped the body in linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock.

On June 3rd, we celebrate the Feast of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, the Martyrs of Uganda.

In the late 1880s, Charles and 21 other young men and boys stood fiercely by their faith and protected one another in the face of extreme persecution.

Charles, who was a leader and protector of the royal court pages, famously baptized several of his companions secretly before they were led to their martyrdom.

Their courage reminds us that holiness isn’t about age or status; it’s about a radical, unshakeable love for Christ.

St. Charles Lwanga & Companions, pray for us! 🙏