Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus
A celebration honoring Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, friends of Jesus.
Celebrating Faithful Friends
On July 29, we honor Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, who exemplified deep friendship with Jesus. Their home in Bethany was a place of love, hospitality, and faith. Through their stories, we learn the importance of welcoming Jesus into our lives and nurturing our relationships with family and friends.
Martha, a diligent worker, symbolizes service; Mary, through her contemplative spirit, exemplifies devotion; and Lazarus, raised from the dead by Jesus, represents the hope of resurrection. Together, they inspire us to balance the active and contemplative aspects of our spiritual lives.
Origins of the Feast
The memoriam of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus has its roots in early Christian communities who remembered their lives filled with profound faith and love for Jesus. Their commemoration was established in the liturgical calendar as a testament to the impact of their witness.
Over time, their feast highlights the bond of friendship and family in faith, encouraging us to invite Jesus into our homes and cultivate our relationships with God and one another.
Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life.'
John 11:25Symbols & iconography
- Household ItemsSymbolizes hospitality and the welcoming of Christ into our lives.
- Lazarus Emerging from the TombRepresents the gift of life and hope in resurrection through Christ.
Customs & traditions
Share a Meal
Gather as a family for a special meal, reflecting Martha's hospitality.
Prayer for Family and Friends
Spend time in prayer, asking for the intercession of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
Visit a Homebound Friend
Extend hospitality by visiting someone who may feel isolated, showing Christ's love.
About this date
This celebration occurs on a fixed date to honor the shared witness of these three saints as a family unit and their dedication to Christ.
Frequently asked
Why do we celebrate these three saints together?
They exemplified a life centered around friendship with Jesus and shared their unique gifts.
What can we learn from Martha, Mary, and Lazarus?
Their lives teach us about the balance of service, contemplation, and hospitality.
How can we celebrate this day as a family?
By sharing a meal and spending time in prayer together, reflecting on their virtues.
Pray it as a household
Bring the feast into your family’s day
Solua walks your family through the day’s prayer together — a few unhurried minutes, shaped by the season.
Pray Together