Memorial of Saints (July 27)

on July 27: Pantaleon, martyr; The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus; Aurelius, Natalia, Felix and Companions, martyrs; Theobald of Marly, abbot

Memorial of Saints (July 26)

Joachim and Anne: Names of the parents of Mary found in the 2nd c. A.D. Protoevangelium of James, veneration of Anne originated in 6th c. A.D. East; patroness of childless women and miners; devotion to Joachim dates from the 8th c. A.D.

also on July 26:

• Simeon the Armenian;
• Bartholomea Capitanio, virgin

Bartholomea Capitanio (1807-1833 A.D.) was unable to secure her parents' permission to become a nun. She organized a sodality for the education of the young, met Catherine Gerosa, and together they founded an institute. The congregation eventually secured papal approval. Bartholomea died on July 26 at twenty-six and was canonized in 1950.

Memorial of Saints (July 25)

James, brother of John, is called "the Greater" because he followed Christ before the other apostle of the same name; first of the twelve to be martyred, being decapitated by order of Herod Agrippa I, c. 44 A.D.; venerated at Campostella, Spain; named in the Roman Canon; patron of Spain, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

also on July 25:

• Christopher, martyr;
• Thea, Valentina and Paul, martyrs;
• Magnericus, bishop

Christopher (d. ca. 251 A.D.) is well known among seasoned Catholics. His image as a man carrying the child Jesus in his shoulders over a river has been part of devotional practice before Vatican II. Even when devotion to Christopher declined when the socio-historical side of the Catholic faith had been emphasized, he is still present in religious tradition. The image of Christopher carrying the child Jesus over a river, will always make the meaning of his name notable - "Christopher = Christ-bearer". He is the patron of travelers and also particularly of motorists. He will always be remembered as long as traditional devotional practices are still in place through religious art, imagery and literature. And if the need for divine protection for travel becomes necessary, devotion to Christopher may be important again.