The Catholic Church has traditionally recognized July 29 as the feast of St. Martha, but in 2021, Pope Francis approved a change in the feast day to include Martha’s sister St. Mary and brother St. Lazarus.
Recognizing their witness to Christ, the pope approved the memorial after “considering the important evangelical witness they offered in welcoming the Lord Jesus into their home, in listening to him attentively, in believing that he is the resurrection and the life.”
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were siblings, and the Bible tells us they were close friends of Jesus. He came to their house as a welcomed guest, and Martha and Mary went immediately to Jesus after Lazarus had died, and asked for his help.
Martha is remembered in Scripture for her active preparation of a meal for Jesus, and for calling out her sister Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet instead of helping. Jesus soothes Martha’s anger, noting that she is “worried about many things,” but telling her that Mary has “chosen the better part” (Luke 10:41-42).
Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after the chief priests plotted to kill him “because many of the Jews were turning away and believing in Jesus because of him” (John 12:11).
Saint Martha is the patron saint of cooks and homemakers, and together with her brother and sister, the patron saint of siblings.
