Simple Black Bean Cilantro Burgers

So here's the thing. We've gone VEGAN here in Chez Watje. Well mostly. It's kind of complicated, but that's an explanation for another post. The main thing to know here is that we've been looking for simple vegan meals that don't break the bank, don't take 3 hours to cook, aren't spicy, and don't feature vegetables prominently due to the boys in the house and their veggie-hating gag reflexes. In case you were wondering, that "simple" criteria rules out pretty much every vegan meal featured on Pinterest...

In desperation, and lack of groceries, I decided to make some black bean burgers using some leftovers ingredients from other meals this week. The verdict? Quick, easy to make, and nobody gagged. In this house we call that a win!  Even though this doesn't have the texture or taste of a regular burger (or even a store bought veggie burger!) this will have a permanent spot on our dinner rotation!  Even if your family hasn't taken the crazy train to vegan town, this is a great healthy meal that even the carnivores will (might) enjoy. 

Ingredients

1/2c onion

1/4c corn

1/8c cilantro
1 can black beans, drained

Egg Replacer - 1T flax meal + 3T water (whisk and rest 5min)

1/4c salsa, mild

3/4c bread crumbs

1 tsp garlic salt

2 tsp lime juice

Add onion, corn, and cilantro to a food processor and chop to desired texture.  Add black beans and repeat.  Add mixture and remaining ingredients to a bowl and combine.  Form patties, remembering that these will not shrink like meat patties.  Cook 5 minutes each side and enjoy!

Serves: 4-5

September Saints and Feast Days

Month of September

September Saints and Feast Days Word Search @ Real Life at Home

September Catholic Family Calendar @ Real Life at Home

September 1^st – St. Giles

We don’t know much about St. Giles, other than that he was a popular medieval saint and is the patron of disabled and beggars.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Giles @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

St. Giles prayer for Disable People @ Today with the Saints

Food:

Soupe Basque @ Catholic Culture

September 3^rd – St. Gregory the Great

Pope and Doctor of the church.  He developed the idea of chants for liturgical music.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Pope St. Gregory the Great @ Catholic Playground

St. Gregory the Great @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Read the Story about St. Gregory and the Cherries @ Catholic Culture

Food:

St. Gregory’s Cherry Crisp @ Catholic Cuisine

Cherries and Pecorino Cheese @ Catholic Culture

September 5^th – Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Founded the Missionaries of Charity and devoted her life to helping the poorest and sickest of the world.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

 Blessed Teresa of Calcutta (2 to choose from) @ Waltzing Matilda

T is for Blessed Mother Teresa @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Mother Teresa Copywork @ Catholic Inspired

Mother Teresa Beacon of Light Votive @ Family at the Foot of the Cross

Mother Teresa Paper Plate Craft @ Family at the Foot of the Cross

Mother Teresa Unit Study @ This Sweet Life of Me

Mother Teresa Copywork @ Real Life at Home

Food:

Crockpot Pineapple Curry Chicken @ Catholic Cuisine

Blessed Teresa Jello Pie @ Catholic Cuisine

Indian Fried Bread and Chai Tea Smoothies @ Catholic Cuisine

September 8^th: Nativity of Mary

Birthday of the mother of our Savior.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

Birthday Cake and Card Craft @ Catholic Icing

Fine Art for the Nativity of Mary @ Joy of 9

Food:

Mary Birthday Cakes @ Catholic Cuisine

September 9^th: St. Peter Claver

Spanish Jesuit who dedicated his life to the service of black slaves.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Peter Claver @ Catholic Playground

St. Peter Claver 2 @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

Pray/Donate to Stop Human Trafficking @ Today with the Saints

Food:

Tortilla Espanola @ Catholic Cuisine

September 10^th: St. Nicholas of Tolentino

Augustinian Friar who was a great preacher.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Nicholas of Tolentino @ Catholic Playground

Food:

Chicken Cacciatore @ Catholic Culture

September 12^th: Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

According to Jewish custom, Mary’s parents would have named her 8 days after her birth.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Holy Name of Mary (2 to choose from) @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Holy Name of Mary Copywork @ Catholic Inspired

Food:

Mary’s Holy Name Breakfast Bagels @ Catholic Cuisine

Holy Name of Mary Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

September 13^th: St. John Chrysostom

Archbishop of Constantinople and Doctor of the Church.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Coloring/Activity Page @ Catholic Kids Bulletin

Food:

Golden Mouthed Saint Food Ideas @ Catholic Cuisine

Greek Salad @ Catholic Culture

September 14^th: Exaltation of the Holy Cross

This feast celebrates the recovery of the True Cross, which had fallen into the hands of the Persians.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Exaltation of the Holy Cross @ Catholic Child

Activities:

Cross Crafts @ Catholic Icing

Fun Ideas @ Catholic Inspired

Cross Crafts @ Equipping Catholic Families

Cross Treasure Hunt @ Equipping Catholic Families

Food:

Chicken with Basil Cream Sauce @ Decrease to Increase

Triumph of the Cross Foccacia @ Domestic Church

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad @ Catholic Cuisine

Pesto Pasta @ Catholic Cuisine

Monkey Bread Cross @ Catholic Cuisine

Triumph of the Cross Cookies @ Equipping Catholic Families

September 15^th: Our Lady of Sorrows

Devotion to the suffering of Mary and her unique role as co-redemptrix.  Read more about this feast at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Our Lady of Sorrows @ Waltzing Matilda

Sorrowful Mother @ Waltzing Matilda

Sorrows of Mary Coloring Pages @ Catholic Icing

7 Sorrows of Mary Coloring Page @ FC Peace

Activities:

Tears of Our Lady Snack w/ Reflections @ Catholic Cuisine

Seven Sorrows of Mary Mobile @ Catholic Icing

Sorrows of Our Lady Candle Craft @ Just Like Mary

Food:

Heart Pierced Cake @ Catholic Cuisine

Heart Pierced Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

September 16^th: Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian

Cornelius was the 21^st pope and had to oppose the first anti-pope and criticism for what was thought to be too much mercy.  Cyprian, his friend, was a converted pagan who preached fervently against the various schismatic movements of the time.  They were both martyred by beheading at the hands of those who opposed them.  Read more about them at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon!)

Food:

St. Peter’s Fish w/ Herbs @ Catholic Culture

September 17^th: St. Robert Bellarmine

Exemplary Italian Jesuit.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Robert Bellarmine @ Waltzing Matilda

September 17^th: St. Hildegard of Bingen

Famous German mystic.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Hildegard of Bingen @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon!)

Food:

St. Hildegard Spice Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

September 18^th: St. Joseph of Cupertino

Austere Italian Franciscan with a great devotion to Our Lady.  He would become so immersed in prayer that he would often appear to levitate off the ground!  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Joseph of Cupertino @ Catholic Playground

St. Joseph of Cupertino 2 @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

Levitating Science Project @ Today with the Saints

Food:

Levitating Cupcakes @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon!)

September 19^th: St. Januarius

Italian bishop martyred under the Diocletian persecution.  It is said that a relic of his blood miraculously liquefies several times a year.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Januarius @ Catholic Playground

Food:

Chicken San Genaro @ Catholic Cuisine

The Blood of St. Januarius Berry Drink @ Catholic Cuisine

Pizzette di San Gennaro @ Catholic Culture

September 19^th: Our Lady of La Salette

Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Our Lady of La Salette @ Catholic Playground

September 20^th: St. Andrew Kim, Paul Chong, and the Korean Martyrs

St. Andrew Kim Taegon was the first native Korean priest and was tortured and beheaded for this.  This feast also honors 103 martyrs, mostly lay men and women, who died in the 17^th Century in an effort to bring the Christian faith to Korea.  Read more about these courageous martyrs at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Paul Chong Hasang @ Waltzing Matilda

St. Andrew Kim @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon!)

Food:

Bulgogi @ Catholic Cuisine

Korean Chicken and Poached Egg Soup @ Today with the Saints

Beef and Mushroom Kebab @ Catholic Cuisine

September 21^st: St. Matthew

Apostle and Evangelist who left his job as a tax collector to follow Christ.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Matthew the Tax Collector @ Prairie Bug (via Shower of Roses)

Activities:

Play Church Windows

Feast Day Ideas @ Two O’s+More

Food:

St. Matthew Silver Dollar Pancakes @ Catholic Cuisine

September 23^rd: St. Padre Pio

Italian Capuchin priest who received the stigmata.  He was reported to be able to bi-locate, levitate, and heal by touch, and was a fervent confessor.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Padre Pio (2 to choose from) @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Food:

Stigmata Rice Krispy Treats @ Family at the Foot of the Cross

Cappucino Mousse @ Catholic Cuisine

Italian Sausage & Pasta @ Catholic Cuisine

September 26^th: Sts. Cosmas and Damian

Twin Syrian Christian doctors who never charged for their services.  They were martyred during the Diocletian persecution.  Read more about them at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

C and D are for Sts. Cosmas and Damian @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Pray for Medical Professionals @ Today with the Saints

Food:

September 27^th: St. Vincent de Paul

French priest especially devoted to charity and helping those most in need.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Vincent de Paul @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

St. Vincent de Paul Society Lego Truck @ Catholic Playground

Donate to the St. Vincent de Paul Society @ Today with the Saints

Food:

Poor Man’s Caviar @ Catholic Cuisine

Classic Beans and Rice @ Catholic Culture

September 28^th: St. Wenceslaus

Devout Christian Duke of Bohemia who was martyred at the hands of his pagan brother.  He had a passion for personally helping the poor.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture. 

Coloring Pages:

W is for St. Wenceslaus @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Read the Story/Sing the Carol of St. Wenceslaus @ Catholic Culture

Food:

Poppyseed Rings @ Catholic Culture

Rich Tea Cookies @ Catholic Culture

Footpring Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

September 28^th: San Lorenzo Ruiz and Companions

The first Filipino saint.  He was martyred with 15 others while in Japan on a mission trip.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Lawrence Ruiz @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon!)

Activities:

Feast Day Ideas* @ Love Life, Live Passionately

*(Please be aware if using the coloring pages, that as Catholics, we do NOT believe that humans become angels after death.  Saints yes, angels no.)

September 28^th: Our Lady, Undoer of Knots

Food:

Knot food @ Catholic Cuisine

September 29^th: Feast of the Archangels: Sts. Michael, Raphael, and Gabriel

The three angels who appear in the bible.  Michael (Prince of the Heavenly Host) is the angel who cast Satan into hell and defends us against evil.  St. Raphael can be found in the Book of Tobit and is a healing spirit.  St. Gabriel appeared as a heavenly messenger to Daniel, and to Zechariah to inform him of the conception of his son John the Baptist.  More importantly, he announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.  Angels are pure spirits, individually created by God and with their own will and intellect.  Read more about them at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Michael the Archangel @ Catholic Playground

M is for St. Michael the Archangel @ Saints to Color

St. Michael the Archangel @ Paper Dali

St. Michael @ Catholic Kingdom

St. Michael @ Drawn 2 Be Creative

St. Michael, St. Rafael, and St. Gabriel @ Waltzing Matilda

Archangels @ Happy Saints

Activities:

St. Michael House Purification @ Catholic Inspired

St. Michael Prayer Cards @ Catholic Icing

Archangel Candle Craft @ Sweetness & Light

Archangel Tryptic @ Familia Catolica

Memorize the St. Michael @ Today with the Saints

Food:

Michaelmas Menu Ideas @ Carrots for Michaelmas

St. Michael’s Waffles @ Catholic Cuisine

Michaelmas Blackberry Cobbler @ Catholic Cuisine

Apple Chicken @ Catholic Cuisine

Feast for the Archangels @ Rose’s Supposes

September 30^th: St. Jerome

St. Jerome preferred to be a hermit, but was reluctantly ordained a priest.  Best known for his work in translating the entire Bible into Latin.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Food:

St. Jerome and the Lion Cupcakes @ Catholic Cuisine

Activity:

Memory Verse @ Today with the Saints

Our Lady of Czestochowa Coloring Page

Also known as the Black Madonna.  It is said that St. Luke himself painted it on a wood tabletop built by Jesus.  St. Helen, the finder of the true cross, brought it from Jerusalem to Constantinople where it remained for 500 years before eventually making it’s way to Poland.  It sustained damage from a robbery attempt which can still be seen in the form of the slashes on its face.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Download Coloring Page

Thanks for reading!

Feast Day Food - Kielbasa and Potatoes on the Feast of St. MaximilianKolbe

I've been trying to incorporate more saint inspired recipes into our daily dinners lately whenever possible. As a busy homeschooling mom, my criteria is that it either has to be as easy as one of my go-to meals, or a twist on something I already make.

To celebrate the feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, I decided to try an easy looking recipe that has been in my "To Try" file for ages. It was quick, tasty, and led to a great conversation about the polish saint who inspired it. 

Ingredients:

1 polish sausage

Onion

Garlic

5 potatoes

Beer or cider

Pan fry the sausage until browned and remove from the pan. Sauté the onion until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté another few minutes. Add the potatoes and pan fry until tender. Optionally, at this point you can add some beer or hard cider to tenderize the potatoes and add an extra depth of flavor. When the potatoes are finished, return the sausage to the pan and heat through. Serve and enjoy!  Pair with a salad or add in some veggies for a complete meal. 

Source:
Inspired by Mom Foodie

St. Lawrence Coloring Page

Deacon in Rome in the 3^rd Century.  He is the patron saint of cooks, because he was martyred on an open flame.  The church sure has a sense of humor!  Also of fire prevention and comedy (he proclaimed as he was dying “Turn me over, I’m done on this side!”).  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Download Coloring Page

Thanks for reading!

August Saints and Feast Days

Month of August

10 August Activities for Catholic Families @ Real Life at Home

August Catholic Family Calendar @ The Kennedy Adventures

August Saints and Feast Days @ Real Life at Home

August 4^th – St. John Vianney

Incorrupt saint and patron of parish priests.  Fervently faithful and known for his dedication in hearing confessions (sometimes up to 18 hours a day!).  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. John Vianney @ Catholic Playground

St. John Vianney @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Priest Peg Dolls @ Catholic Icing

Food:

Priestly Brownies @ Catholic Culture

August 5^th – Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major

One of the 4 great basilica’s of Rome and the first Marian shrine.  This is the memorial of the dedication of the site to Our Lady of the Snow when she appeared in a dream and asked her church to be built where the miraculous summer snow would fall.  It is also said that the true manger of Bethlehem is kept here as a relic and is brought out every Christmas.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Activities:

Our Lady of the Snow Snowflake Craft @ Flare of Light

Our Lady of Snows Science Fun @ Catholic Inspired

Our Lady of Snows Crystal Snowflakes @ Catholic Inspired

Our Lady of Snows Simple Craft @ Catholic Inspired

August 6^th – Transfiguration of the Lord

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as dazzling as light.  And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him.  Then Peter spoke to Jesus. 'Lord,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you want me to, I will make three shelters here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'  He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and suddenly from the cloud there came a voice which said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.' – Matthew 17:1-5

Coloring Pages:

Transfiguration of the Lord @ Catholic Playground

Transfiguration @ Holy Transfiguration

Activities:

Transfiguration of the Lord Bible Verse Cut and Order @ Three Sided Wheel

Transfiguration of the Lord Copywork @ Three Sided Wheel

Transfiguration Suncatcher @ Catholic Inspired

August 7^th: St. Cajetan

Patron saint of job seekers and known as the “Huntsman of Souls” for his fervor in bringing others to Christ.  He was especially concerned with caring for the sick, and he founded the Order of Clerks Regular who receive no salary, only donations that are freely given so that they rely solely upon God to provide for them.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Cajetan @ Catholic Playground

August 8^th: St. Dominic

This holy man from Spain founded the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), who are dedicated to preaching and teaching. He also received the Rosary from Our Lady and began the practice of reciting it.  He is the patron saint of astronomers and falsely accused peoples.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Dominic Guzman @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

Stargazing and Pray a Rosary as suggested @ Two O’s + More

Food:

Mimosas or OJ and the Legend of the Orange Tree @ Catholic Cuisine

August 8^th: St. Mary Mackillop

First Australian saint.  Founded the Josephites (Brown Joeys) and dedicated her life to the education of the poor.  Learn more about her at Saint Mary Mackillop.

Coloring Pages:

St. Mary Mackillop @ Catholic Playground

St. Mary Mackillop @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Mary Mackillop’s Story @ Saint Mary Mackillop

Cloze @ Saint Mary Mackillop

Food:

St. Mary’s Sweet Treats @ Cath Family

August 10^th: St. Lawrence, Martyr

Deacon in Rome in the 3^rd Century.  He is the patron saint of cooks, because he was martyred on an open flame.  The church sure has a sense of humor!  Also of fire prevention and comedy (he proclaimed as he was dying “Turn me over, I’m done on this side!”).  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Page:
St. Lawrence @ Homeschool Is Where the Heart Is

Activities:

Feast Day Fun @ Equipping Catholic Families

Food:

Eat a Cold Meal as suggested @ Catholic Cuisine

St. Lawrence Grill Cakes @ Catholic Cuisine

Jiffy On-Fire Dessert @ Catholic Culture

Lasagna @ Catholic Culture

Have a Cookout as suggested @ Real Life at Home

August 11^th: St. Clare of Assisi

Patron of television.  Ran away from her wealthy family to live in poverty as a follower of St. Francis.  Founded the Poor Clares and rebuffed the Saracens who were attacking her convent by praying at the walls with the Blessed Sacrament.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Clare of Assisi @ St. John the Baptist Religious Education

C is for St. Clare @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Monstrance Craft @ Catholic Inspired

Feast Day Fun @ Equipping Catholic Families

Pool Noodle Monstrance @ Catholic Icing

Food:

Poor Clare Solemn Vow Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

Almond Slices @ Catholic Culture

August 12^th: St. Jane Frances de Chantal

Happily married to a wealthy baron and mother of seven children, she dedicated her life to serving the poor and sick.  When her husband was fatally shot in a hunting accident, she forgave the man who killed him and founded the Visitation nuns under the guidance of St. Francis de Sales.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Jane Frances de Chantal @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Printable Book @ Catholic Inspired

August 14^th: St. Maximilian Kolbe

Franciscan priest from Poland who founded the Militia of the Immaculate Mary and served as a missionary in Europe and Asia.  He was imprisoned in Auschwitz in World War II and offered himself as a martyr in place of another man.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Maximilian Kolbe @ Catholic Playground

St. Maximilian Kolbe @ Waltzing Matilda

St. Maximilian Kolbe @ St. John the Baptist Religious Education

M is for St. Maximilian Kolbe @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Feast Day Fun @ Equipping Catholic Families

Food:

Polish Meal Ideas @ Catholic Cuisine

Kielbasa Stew @ Catholic Culture

Kielbasa and Potatoes @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is

August 15^th: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today we celebrate Mary being taken body and soul into heaven and the end of her earthly life.  Read more about this feast at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Feast of the Assumption @ Catholic Playground

Assumption of Mary @ St. John the Baptist Religious Education

Activities:

Floating Paper Lantern @ Catholic Playground

Feast Day Fun @ Equipping Catholic Families

Assumption of Mary Triptych @ Catholic Icing

Assumption of Mary Pull Tab Craft @ Catholic Mom   

Assumption of Mary Centerpiece @ Catholic Inspired

Food:

Assumption Parfaits @ Catholic Cuisine

Lemon and Mint Iced Tea @ My Catholic Kitchen

Assumpta Salad @ Catholic Culture

Shrimp in Bechamel @ Catholic Culture (béchamel) and Catholic Culture

Strawberry Punch @ Catholic Culture

Cloud Recipes @ Catholic Icing

Assumption Day Stuffed Apples @ Feast!

August 15^th: St. Tarcisius

Early Christian deacon or acolyte who was beaten to death while carrying the Blessed Sacrament to prisoners.  He is the patron saint of first communicants and altar servers.

Coloring Pages:

St. Tarcisius @ St. John the Baptist Religious Education

August 18^th: St. Helen

Mother of Emperor Constantine.  She traveled to Mount Calvary in Jerusalem and discovered the true cross.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Helen @ Catholic Playground

St. Helena @ Waltzing Matilda

H is for St. Helena @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Simple Cross Craft @ Gloria in Excelsis Deo

Food:

Basil Recipes @ Feast!

Hot Cross Buns @ My Catholic Kitchen

Monkey Bread Cross @ Catholic Cuisine

Tomato Basil Mozarella Salad @ Catholic Cuisine

August 19^th: St. John Eudes

French priest who founded the Eudist order.  He was a big proponent of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Sacred and Immaculate Heart @ Catholic Inspired

Two Hearts @ Two Hearts Design

Activities:

Sacred and Immaculate Heart Activity Chart @ Catholic Inspired

Sacred and Immaculate Heart Crafts @ Catholic Icing

Sacred and Immaculate Heart Rosaries @ Catholic Icing

Food:

Sacred and Immaculate Heart Fruit and Veggie Platters @ Catholic Cuisine

August 20^th: St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Cistercian abbot known for his influence in bringing peace among leaders of his time.  He was of a noble family and convinced 31 other nobles to enter religious life with him.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Food:

Dijon Chicken @ Catholic Cuisine

Honey Arnold Palmer @ Catholic Cuisine

August 21^st: Pope St. Pius X

Elected pope in 1903.  Well-loved and fervent in defending the liturgy and encouraging spiritual practices such as frequent communion and daily reading of the bible.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Pope St. Pius X @ Waltzing Matilda

Pope St. Pius X @ Catholic Playground

August 21^st: Our Lady of Knock

Mary appeared with St. Joseph and St. John at a church in Ireland.  The apparition lasted two hours and was witnessed by 13 people.  A number of miraculous healings happened to the sick who later visited the site.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Our Lady of Knock @ Catholic Playground

August 22nd: Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Coloring Pages:

Queenship of Mary @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Queenship of Mary Craft @ Catholic Icing

Mary Crowns @ Southern Fried Catholic

Do a Mary Crowning - many options @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is

Food:

Queenship of Mary Cookies @ Catholic Playground

Simple Crown Cupcakes @ Catholic Cuisine

August 23^rd: St. Rose of Lima

Contemplative Third Order Dominican who dedicated her life to charity while suffering voluntarily from extreme penance.  She is the first saint of the America’s.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Rose of Lima @ Catholic Playground

R is for St. Rose of Lima @ Saints to Color

St. Rose of Lima @ Catholic Heritage Curricula

Activities:

St. Rose of Lima Paper Doll @ Paper Dali

Food:

St. Rose of Lima Cookies @ Under Her Starry Mantle

Rose Bread @ Catholic Cuisine

Pancit Bihon and Lomo Saltado @ Feast!

Rose Roll-Ups @ Catholic Cuisine

Arroz con Leche @ Catholic Culture

August 24^th: St. Bartholomew, Apostle

Bartholomew, also known as Nathaniel, was an apostle of Jesus.  He evangelized in Asia Minor, India, and Armenia, which is where he was ultimately martyred by having his skin ripped off his body.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Jesus Calls Philip & Nathaniel @ Super Coloring

Food:

White Gingerbread @ Catholic Culture

August 26^th: Our Lady of Czestochowa

Also known as the Black Madonna.  It is said that St. Luke himself painted it on a wood tabletop built by Jesus.  St. Helen, the finder of the true cross, brought it from Jerusalem to Constantinople where it remained for 500 years before eventually making it’s way to Poland.  It sustained damage from a robbery attempt which can still be seen in the form of the slashes on its face.  Read more at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

 Our Lady of Czestochowa @ Homeschool is Where the Heart Is 

Activities:

Food:

Paczki (Polish Donuts) @ Catholic Culture

August 27^th: St. Monica

St. Monica is known for her incessant prayers for her pagan husband and her wayward son St. Augustine.  Because of her prayers, her husband converted a year before his death and her son became a great Saint and Doctor of the Church.  Among other things, she is the Patron Saint of abuse victims, difficult marriages, and disappointing children.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St Monica @ Catholic Playground

St. Monica @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Feast Day Fun @ Equipping Catholic Families

Write a letter/card to Mother/Grandmothers as suggested @ Two O’s + More

Pray for Family Members who have left the church as suggested @ Real Life at Home

Food:

St. Monica’s Tears @ Catholic Cuisine

August 28^th: St. Augustine

Doctor of the church and great bishop in Africa.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture. 

Coloring Pages:

St. Augustine @ Catholic Playground

St. Augustine @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Feast Day Fun @ Equipping Catholic Families

Go to confession as suggested @ Two O’s + More

Food:

Key Lime Pie for St. Monica and St. Augustine @ Sole Searching Mama

August 29^th: Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

Today we celebrate the death of St. John the Baptist (we celebrated his nativity in June).  He not only served as a predecessor of Christ, but also as a martyr for Him.  Read more about this feast at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

John the Baptist Stained Glass Window @ St. John the Baptist Religious Education

Food:

Honey Granola @ Catholic Cuisine

Locust and Honey Snack @ Catholic Cuisine

Grasshopper Parfait @ Catholic Cuisine

August 31^st: St. Raymond Nonnatus

Was a Mercedarian, which means he was part of an order devoted to ransoming Christian captives from the Moors in the 13th century.  He risked his own life to free as many Christians as possible and even to convert Moors in the process.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Raymond Nonnatus @ Catholic Playground

Thanks for reading!

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