The World Day for the Sanctification of Priests

The month of June, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, became a popular devotion in the late 1600s. The Heart, with droplets of blood, encircled by thorns, with flames and a cross at the top, and surrounded by divine light, is symbolic of the heart of Jesus and His sacrificial love for humanity. The World Day for the Sanctification of Priests coincides with that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Members are invited to pray for priests and for personal holiness and a loving heart in imitation of Jesus.

Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is held on July 16th. According to Carmelite traditions, on this day, Mary, the Mother of Christ, gave the brown scapular to monastic St. Simon Stock to protect his order from oppression. This day is a special devotion to Mary, who teaches us to be open to God, and to His will.

International Friendship Day

July 30 is International Friendship Day. It is a day to recognize Jesus as being the ultimate example of a friend. Today we pray for guidance on how to be a true friend for others not just when it is convenient, but to show the world His love, forgiveness, and kindness.

The Most Holy Name of Mary (Feast Day)

The liturgical calendar includes The Most Holy Name of Mary, originating in Spain in 1513, whose observance was extended by Pope Innocent XI to the universal church in 1683 in thanksgiving to Our Lady for the victory on September 12, 1683, by King Sobieski of Poland over the Turks who were besieging Vienna. “We venerate the name of Mary because it belongs to her who is the Mother of God, the holiest of creatures, the Queen of heaven and earth, the Mother of Mercy” (Catholic Encyclopedia). Members are invited to pray for Mary’s intercession on this special day.

The League’s National Faith Day

Celebrated annually on the third Saturday in September, this day is meant to foster spiritual development and celebrate the graces received through members’ service. Parish councils are encouraged to organize a gathering with a guest speaker, participate  in or host a prayer service or welcome other sisters in the League to speak about other Catholic women’s organizations in their home country. October is the month of Mary—a time when devotion and prayer to our Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, are encouraged. Devote extra time to the Holy Rosary.

World Day of Migrants and Refugees

Each year, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) asks Catholics worldwide to remember those displaced by conflict and persecution. God walks with his people is the theme chosen by Pope Francis for his message for WDMR, which will be celebrated on September 29th. The Holy Father reminds us that “all of us, God’s people, are migrants on this earth, on our way to the ‘true homeland’, the Kingdom of Heaven.” Members are invited to pray for migrants and refugees and all displaced persons, mindful of the corporal works of mercy, which are tangible ways of being united with their suffering.  

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)

In his pilgrimage to Canada in July 2022, Pope Francis described his apostolic journey to Canada as a “penitential pilgrimage.” He began his message at Maskwacis by saying, “I have come to your native lands to tell you in person of my sorrow, to implore God’s forgiveness, healing and reconciliation, to express my closeness and to pray with you and for you.” The Catholic Women’s League of Canada is committed to healing and reconciliation, expressed by its document of resources titled “Walking Together with Indigenous Catholic Women.” Members are encouraged to pray the attached prayer and to express their solidarity.

Sisters in Spirit Vigil

The Sisters in Spirit Vigil is an annual national movement in Canada held on October 4th to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, to raise awareness about the systemic violence they face, and show support for their families and communities.