Collection: March

A breastplate is a heavy piece of armor covering the chest to protect from injury. In this case, it is a symbol for divine protection. This prayer is traditionally sung on Saint Patrick’s Day and is a powerful hymn of hope for God’s help in adversity. Christ be with us!

The story of the Annunciation can be found in Saint Luke’s Gospel, and tells of the Angel Gabriel appearing to Mary in the village of Nazareth. In this humble home, it’s announced that Jesus was to be conceived by the Holy Spirit through the Virgin Mary. As you color, let it be an invitation to deeper prayer and meditation on this joyful mystery!

Mary’s fiat, or her “yes” to be the mother of God, encourages us to embrace God’s will in our own lives. He can perform great things when we cooperate with him!

Saint Joseph models the holiness of labor to us. Pope Pius XII emphasized this when he said, “. . . no worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by [the spirit] than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work.” This crossword highlights his pursuit of virtue and dedication to work!

Today is a now-little known day of penance, offered to God during the spring planting season in the hopes that the crops would be protected from natural disasters. So in an effort to ask for God’s mercy in a visible way, we’re going to plant our own seeds, ask for his blessing, and watch them grow.

Saint George is known for his courage and being a brave warrior. He refused to honor pagan gods, and as a result, eventually died for his Christian beliefs. May we hope to receive this same grace in the face of adversity. Saint George, pray for us!

Celebrate the feast of Saints Perpetua and Felicity by praying the prayer on the back of this holy card and by displaying their image for the day!