By Divine Design

One of the most remarkable surviving photographs of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux shows her dressed as Joan of Arc, the French heroine she deeply admired and about whom she wrote two theatrical works for her Carmelite community.

In January 1895, Thérèse performed the title role in her own play, Joan of Arc Accomplishing Her Mission. Shortly afterward, her sister Céline photographed her several times in costume in the courtyard of the Carmel of Lisieux. Thérèse wore a wig and a theatrical costume over her Carmelite clothing, portraying Joan at different moments of her mission, imprisonment and martyrdom.

Thérèse saw something deeply familiar in Joan. Both were young French women consumed by love of God, both understood their lives as missions given by Heaven, and both would die extraordinarily young. Thérèse even wrote of Joan with the desire that she might once again “save France,” revealing how strongly the Maid of Orléans captured her imagination.

There is also an extraordinary historical twist: Joan of Arc had not yet been canonized when these photographs were taken. Joan would be declared a saint in 1920; Thérèse followed in 1925. What survives today is therefore a photograph of one future canonized saint portraying another future canonized saint.
More than a century later, both women stand among the most beloved saints of France.
Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us. 🇫🇷✝️🌹

“Non serviam.”
(I will not serve.)
— the defiant cry of the dragon.

But Saint Michael answers:
“Dominum Deum tuum adorabis et Illi soli servies.”
(The Lord thy God thou shalt adore, and Him only shalt thou serve.)

And the dragon is crushed beneath his feet. 🛡️⚔️🔥

CHURCH CELEBRATION FOR
THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2026

• HIGHLIGHTS
Aug 06—Transfiguration of Jesus
Aug 10—St. Lawrence
Aug 23—St. Rose of Lima

• MARIAN CELEBRATION
Aug 15—Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Aug 19—4th Apparition of Fatima
Aug 22—Queenship of Mary

• MEMORIAL
Aug 01—St. Alphonsus Liguori
Aug 02—St. Eusebius of Vercelli
Aug 03—St. Peter of Anagni
Aug 04—St. John Vianney
Aug 05—Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major
Aug 07—St. Sixtus II
Aug 08—St. Dominic
Aug 09—St. Teresa of the Cross
Aug 12—St. Jane Frances de Chantal
Aug 13—St. Pontian
Aug 14—St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
Aug 16—St. Rock/St. Stephen of Hungary
Aug 17—St. Claire of Monefalco
Aug 20—St. Bernard
Aug 21—St. Pius X
Aug 23—St. Bartholomew
Aug 26—St. Bregwin
Aug 27—St. Monica
Aug 28—St. Augustine
Aug 29—Passion of St. John the Baptist
Aug 30—St. Pammachius
Aug 31—St. Raymon Nonnatus

A SPECIAL GIFT OF MERCY IS AVAILABLE TODAY.

From noon on August 1 until midnight on August 2, Catholics may receive the Portiuncula Plenary Indulgence, also known as the Pardon of Assisi.

In 1216, Saint Francis of Assisi asked that everyone who came to the little chapel of the Portiuncula with a repentant heart might receive an abundant gift of God’s mercy.

Today, this indulgence may be obtained for oneself or offered for a deceased soul.

To receive it:

• Go to Sacramental Confession
• Receive Holy Communion
• Visit a Franciscan church or any parish church
• Pray the Our Father and recite the Creed
• Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father
• Be sincerely detached from every sin, even venial sin

An indulgence does not replace Confession. It remits the temporal punishment remaining after sins have already been forgiven.

Saint Francis once cried out:

“My brothers, I want to send you all to Heaven!”

Save this post so you remember the conditions—and share it with someone who may not know about this extraordinary gift of grace.

Saint Francis of Assisi, pray for us.

#𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡

A BEAUTIFUL TRANSITION FROM JULY TO AUGUST

July 31 — Last Day of July
Falls on a Friday, traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

August 1 — First Day of August
Falls on a Saturday, traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

We end July by placing our hearts in Jesus, and begin August by entrusting ourselves to Mary—two Hearts united in love, leading us closer to God.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.