The Feast of Saint Lazarus: A Celebration of Faith and Charity

In the small town of Bethany, just outside Jerusalem during the time of Christ, lived three siblings - Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Their home became a place of refuge for Jesus, where he would often visit and share meals with them. This special bond between the family and Jesus is what makes their story so significant in Christian tradition.

The Catholic Church has long recognized the importance of this family's relationship with Jesus, and on February 8th, Pope Francis announced that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus would be added to the General Roman Calendar, a liturgical calendar that outlines the dates of holy days and feast days of saints. This decision was made after years of study and debate, with some uncertainties surrounding the identity of Mary Magdalene initially causing her to be left off.

However, recent research has resolved these doubts, allowing Mary and Lazarus to join their sister Martha in being commemorated on July 29th in the Roman Martyrology. The General Roman Calendar previously included St. Mary Magdalene's feast day on August 22nd, but now the three siblings will be celebrated together as one family.

Pope Francis emphasized the importance of this family's witness to the Christian faith, stating that their home was a place where they welcomed Jesus with open arms, listened attentively to his words, and believed in his power to bring life from death. This feast day serves as a reminder of the significance of charity and hospitality in our own lives, and how we can emulate the example set by this beloved family.

On July 29th, Catholics around the world will come together to honor Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, recognizing their unwavering faith and devotion to Jesus. This feast day is a celebration not only of their individual lives but also of the love and community they shared with each other and with Jesus Christ. As we commemorate this special occasion, let us reflect on the importance of welcoming others into our own homes and hearts, just as Mary, Martha, and Lazarus did for Jesus so many years ago.

Feast of saint lazarus