Celebrating Feast Days in the Home

Catholics are so blessed by the lives of the saints. Those who have lived courageously before us. Holy men and women who have shown us the way to lead good Christian lives, who inspire and encourage us. True role models and heroes. But there are so many, making it sometimes overwhelming when it comes to planning celebrations for these saints at home. That's why my family sticks to picking a few saints that are particularly special to us. Either because they are namesakes, or they have helped us in some way, or maybe one of the kids just recently read a book about them. In our home, we particularly love St. Francis and it just so happens that we also love many saints who followed in his footsteps: Franciscans! Next week, on June 13th, we will celebrate one of our favorite Franciscans. St. Anthony of Padua.
When it comes to planning these celebrations, my first stop is Catholic Cuisine. Life can busy, but no matter what happens, I know I will need to feed my family. So the easiest way to honor a saint on their feast day is to incorporate a meal that is associated with them. Sometimes it's just a meal from that saint's nationality (Italian, French, etc.). Or maybe it has something to do with one of their miracles. Or it could do with their habit or the order they belonged to. The possibilities are endless! That's why I love Catholic Cuisine. Here's what we're doing for St. Anthony:
For Dinner-
Italian dinner (probably Spaghetti and Meatballs, my kids favorite) with St. Anthony's Italian Dinner Rolls.
Tonsure Cake for dessert (chocolate cake baked in a bundt pan)

In tradition of St. Anthony's Bread, we will make a donation to Food for the Poor. If I had an herb garden, I'd love to pass out basil to friends! Maybe next year?

If I'm feeling really ambitious, and decide to do more than just make food in honor of a saint, I go to Catholic Icing for more inspiration. She has a lot of great ideas for crafts and games. You'll find tons of fun things to do this month on her Liturgical Activities for Kids in June post. I think my family might try the scavenger hunt for St. Anthony's feast this year.

Of course, it goes without saying that the absolute best way to celebrate a feast is by going to Mass. We also like to say a Novena the nine days before the feast and fast during those days. It makes our celebration even better!

What are your family's traditions when it comes to celebrating feast days? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!

May you all have a wonderful Feast of St. Anthony! I'm off to go make our plans for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart... one of our favorites (which is also next week)! God bless you.