August in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year
August is one of the most glorious months of the Traditional Catholic liturgical year, crowned by the triumph of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. Throughout the Church, the faithful honor Our Lady’s queenship, contemplate her unique role in the mystery of salvation, and rejoice in the hope of the resurrection promised to all who faithfully follow Christ.
The month begins with the celebration of St. Peter’s Chains, reminding Catholics of God’s providential care for His Church, and continues with the feasts of many heroic saints whose lives reflect unwavering fidelity to Christ. Among them are St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Dominic, St. Lawrence, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Bernard, St. John Eudes, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Augustine, whose witness continues to inspire the faithful throughout the world.
At the heart of August stands the magnificent feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Church celebrates Mary’s glorious entrance into Heaven, where she reigns beside her Divine Son as Queen of Heaven and Earth. The Assumption reminds every Christian that our true homeland is Heaven and that those who persevere in God’s grace will one day share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
August also includes the Octave of the Assumption, the Queenship of Mary in the traditional calendar, and many feasts that highlight the beauty of Marian devotion and the heroic sanctity of the saints. Throughout the month, the Church continues the long Season after Pentecost, calling the faithful to grow in virtue while looking forward to the eternal kingdom.
In The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger beautifully unfolds these mysteries through Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, ancient liturgical prayers, and centuries of Catholic tradition. His reflections help readers enter more deeply into the Church’s worship while discovering the spiritual treasures contained within every feast of the Traditional Roman Calendar.
Whether you attend the Traditional Latin Mass, pray the Divine Office, or seek to deepen your understanding of the Church’s sacred year, August offers a rich journey through Marian devotion, apostolic courage, and the enduring witness of the saints.
August at a Glance
August is a month of Marian glory, heavenly hope, and heroic sanctity. The Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary while honoring many saints whose lives reveal the beauty of fidelity, sacrifice, and unwavering love for Christ.
Highlights of August
- Time After Pentecost
- Month of the Assumption
- Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Octave of the Assumption
- Queenship of Mary (Traditional Calendar)
- St. Peter’s Chains
- Transfiguration of Our Lord
- St. Dominic
- St. Lawrence
- St. Clare of Assisi
- St. Maximilian Kolbe
- St. Bernard of Clairvaux
- St. John Eudes
- St. Augustine
- Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
- Traditional Roman Calendar feast days
- Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium
Each reflection reveals how the Church continues to lead the faithful toward Heaven through her sacred liturgy. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless commentary illuminates the spiritual meaning of every feast while encouraging Catholics to imitate the virtues of the saints and deepen their devotion to Our Blessed Mother.
August 1 – Saint Peter’s Chains
August 2 – St Alphonsus Mary Ligouri, Bishop & Doctor of the Church
August 2 – St Stephen I, Pope & Martyr
August 3 – Finding of St Stephen, Protomartyr
August 4 – Saint Dominic, Confessor
August 5 – Our Lady of the Snow
August 6 – Transfiguration of Our Lord
August 6 – Saint Sixtus II, Pope and Martyr, and Sts. Felicissimus and Agapitus, Martyrs
August 7 – St. Cajetan of Thienna, Confessor
August 8 – Sts Cyriacus, Largus, and Smaragdus, Martyrs
August 8 – John Mary Vianney, Confessor
August 9 – Vigil of St Laurence, Martyr; Comm. of St Romanus, Martyr
August 10 – Saint Laurence, Deacon and Martyr
August 11 – Sts Tibertius and Susanna, Martyrs
August 13 – Sts Hippolytus and Cassian, Martyrs
August 13 – St Radegonde, Queen of France
August 14 – Vigil of the Assumption
August 15 – Assumption of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary
August 16 – St Joachim, Confessor, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 16 – St Rocco (Roch), Confessor
August 17 – St. Hyacinth, Confessor
August 17 – Octave of St. Laurence
August 18 – Fourth Day Within the Octave of the Assumption
August 19 – St John Eudes, Confessor
August 19 – Fifth Day within the Octave of the Assumption
August 20 – St Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
August 21 – St. Jane Frances Fremiot de Chantal, Widow
August 22 – The Octave of the Assumption
August 23 – St Philip Benizi, Confessor
August 24 – St. Bartholomew, Apostle and Martyr
August 25 – St. Louis, King of France, Confessor
August 26 – St Zephyrinus, Pope & Martyr
August 27 – St. Joseph Calasanctius, Confessor
August 28 – St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
August 29 – Decollation of St John the Baptist
August 30 – St Rose of Lima, Virgin
August 31 – St. Raymond Nonnatus, Confessor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is August important in the Catholic liturgical year?
August is best known for the glorious feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The month also commemorates many great saints, including St. Dominic, St. Lawrence, St. Clare, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Bernard, St. John Eudes, and St. Augustine, while continuing the Church’s meditation during the Season after Pentecost.
What is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
Celebrated on August 15, the Assumption commemorates the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into Heavenly glory. The feast proclaims Mary’s unique participation in her Son’s victory over death and offers Christians hope in the future resurrection.
Which saints are celebrated during August?
Among the best-known August saints are St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Dominic, St. Lawrence, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. John Eudes, St. Rose of Lima, and St. Augustine.
What does Dom Prosper Guéranger teach about August?
Dom Guéranger presents August as a month centered upon the triumph of Our Lady and the hope of Heaven. His reflections reveal how Marian devotion, the witness of the saints, and the Church’s liturgy lead the faithful toward eternal union with Christ.
Why is devotion to Mary especially prominent in August?
The Assumption stands at the center of the month, drawing attention to Mary’s role as Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and model of perfect discipleship. Her Assumption reminds Christians that Heaven is the ultimate goal of every faithful soul.
Is this collection based on the Traditional Roman Calendar?
Yes. These reflections follow the Traditional Roman Rite and complement the Traditional Latin Mass, preserving the timeless liturgical traditions, prayers, and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.