July in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year
July is a month rich in devotion, apostolic zeal, and the heroic witness of the saints. Throughout the Traditional Catholic liturgical year, the Church continues the long season after Pentecost, inviting the faithful to grow in holiness through the grace of the sacraments, the imitation of Christ, and the example of those who faithfully lived the Gospel.
Traditionally, July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, reminding Catholics of the infinite price paid for our redemption. Through His Precious Blood, poured out during His Passion and offered continually in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Christ reconciled mankind to the Father and opened the gates of Heaven. Throughout the month, the faithful are encouraged to meditate upon the saving power of Christ’s sacrifice and to deepen their devotion to the Holy Eucharist.
July also commemorates many of the Church’s most beloved saints. The faithful honor St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Maria Goretti, St. Benedict, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Bonaventure, St. Camillus de Lellis, St. Mary Magdalene, St. James the Greater, St. Anne and St. Joachim, St. Martha, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and many other martyrs, bishops, confessors, virgins, and Doctors of the Church whose lives continue to inspire Catholics around the world.
In The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger masterfully explains how the feasts of July reveal the beauty of God’s providence throughout the history of salvation. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the writings of the Church Fathers, the Roman liturgy, and centuries of Catholic tradition, he shows how each feast leads the faithful toward deeper union with Christ.
Whether you attend the Traditional Latin Mass, pray the Divine Office, or simply desire to live according to the rhythm of the Church’s sacred calendar, July offers countless opportunities to grow in devotion to the Precious Blood of Christ and to follow the example of the saints whose heroic lives illuminate the path to Heaven.
July at a Glance
July is a month centered on redemption, apostolic witness, and perseverance in the Christian life. As the Church continues the Season after Pentecost, Catholics are invited to contemplate the infinite love of Christ manifested through His Precious Blood while honoring many of the Church’s greatest apostles, missionaries, martyrs, and saints.
Highlights of July
- Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus
- Time After Pentecost
- Devotion to the Precious Blood
- St. Thomas the Apostle
- St. Maria Goretti
- St. Benedict
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel
- St. Bonaventure
- St. Camillus de Lellis
- St. Mary Magdalene
- St. James the Greater
- Sts. Anne and Joachim
- St. Martha
- St. Ignatius of Loyola
- Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
- Traditional Roman Calendar feast days
- Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium
Each reflection helps readers enter more deeply into the mysteries celebrated by the Church while drawing practical spiritual lessons from the lives of the saints. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless writings continue to guide Catholics seeking to live according to the rhythm of the Traditional Roman Calendar.
July 1 – Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
July 1 – The Octave Day of St John the Baptist
July 2 – The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
July 2 – Ss Processus and Martinian, Martyrs
July 3 – St Leo II, Pope & Confessor
July 3 – Fifth Day Within the Octave of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
July 4 – The Sixth Day within the Octave of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
July 5 – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor
July 6 – The Octave Day of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
July 7 – Saints Cyril and Methodius, Bishops and Confessors, Apostles of the Sclaves
July 8 – St Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal
July 9
July 10 – The Seven Brothers, Martyrs; and Sts. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins and Martyrs
July 11 – St Pius I, Pope & Martyr
July 13 – Saint Anacletus, Pope and Martyr
July 14 – Saint Bonaventure, Cardinal & Doctor of the Church
July 16 – Our Lady of Mount Carmel
July 17 – Saint Alexius, Confessor
July 18 – St Symphorosa and Her Seven Sons, Martyrs
July 18 – St Camillus of Lellis, Confessor
July 19 – St Vincent de Paul, Confessor
July 20 – Saint Jerome Emilian, Confessor
July 20 – St Margaret, Virgin and Martyr
July 21 – Saint Praxedes, Virgin
July 23 – Saint Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr
July 24 – St Christina, Virgin and Martyr
July 25 – Saint James the Great, Apostle
July 26 – St Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
July 27 – St. Pantaleon, Martyr
July 28 – Sts. Nazarius, Celsus, and Victor, Martyrs, and Saint Innocent, Pope and Confessor
July 30 – Sts Abdon and Sennen, Martyrs
July 31 – Saint Ignatius, Confessor
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is July important in the Catholic liturgical year?
July is traditionally dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ and continues the Church’s meditation on the Christian life during the long Season after Pentecost. The month also celebrates many of the Church’s greatest apostles, missionaries, virgins, and Doctors of the Church.
Why is July dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus?
The Church honors the Precious Blood as the price of our redemption. Through His Blood, Christ conquered sin and death, established the New Covenant, and continually offers Himself for us in the Holy Eucharist. Devotion to the Precious Blood encourages gratitude, reparation, and confidence in God’s mercy.
Which saints are celebrated during July?
Among the best-known July saints are St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Maria Goretti, St. Benedict, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Bonaventure, St. Camillus de Lellis, St. Mary Magdalene, St. James the Greater, Sts. Anne and Joachim, St. Martha, and St. Ignatius of Loyola.
What does Dom Prosper Guéranger teach about July?
Dom Prosper Guéranger presents July as a month of deep devotion to Christ’s redeeming sacrifice while highlighting the missionary zeal and heroic holiness of the saints. His reflections demonstrate how the Church’s liturgy continually draws the faithful into the mysteries of salvation.
What is the significance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel?
Celebrated on July 16, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel honors the Blessed Virgin Mary’s special protection over those devoted to her, especially through the Brown Scapular. The feast reminds Catholics of Mary’s maternal care and her constant intercession for the faithful.
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.