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Father Francis X. Weiser, S.J. on the Catholic custom of burying the Alleluia and why it is no longer sung during Lent. "Alleluia, or hallelujah, is one of the few Hebrew words adopted by the Christian Church from apostolic times. It means "Praise the Lord!" On Saturday before Septuagesima Sunday (the third Sunday before Lent) this ancient and hallowed exclamation of joy and praise in the Christian liturgy is officially discontinued in the Western Church to signify the approach of the solemn season of Lent.12 According to the regulation of Pope Alexander II (1073) the Alleluia is sung twice after the prayers of the Divine Office,13 and not heard again till the solemn vigil service of Easter, when it once more is used as a glorious proclamation of Easter joy. The Greek Church, however, still retains the Alleluia even in Lent. Usage of the Word Saint John the Evangelist mentioned alleluia in his Apocalypse (19, 1-6), and the early Church accepted the word from the beginning. From Jerusalem the custom of using it spread with the expanding Church into all nations. It is interesting to note that nowhere and at no time was any effort made to translate it into the vernacular, as Saint Isidore of Seville (636) mentioned in his writings.14 He explains this by the reverence for the hallowed traditions of the apostolic Church. In addition to the official liturgy, as early as the third century the Christian writer Tertullian said in his treatise on prayer that the faithful of his time used to insert many alleluias in their private devotions.15 Saint Jerome (420) praised the pious farmers and tradesmen who used to sing it at their toil, and the mothers who taught their babies to pronounce "alleluia" before any other word.16 In the Roman Empire the Alleluia became the favorite prayerful song of oarsmen and navigators. Saint Augustine (430) alluded to this custom, saying, "Let the Alleluia be our sweet rowing-song!"17 And some years later, the Roman poet and bishop Sidonius Apollinaris (480) described how the river banks and shores of Gaul resounded with the Alleluia song of the rowing boatmen.18 Even the Roman soldiers fighting against pagan barbarians used it as battle cry and war song. Saint Bede the Venerable (735), in his history of England, reported such an "Alleluia victory" won by the Christian Bretons over the Picts and Scots in 429.19. Finally, the expression "Alleluia, the Lord is risen" became the general greeting of Christians in early medieval times on the Feast of the Resurrection. Apart from these popular usages the Alleluia has at all times found its primary and most meaningful application in the official liturgy. In the early centuries, the Roman Church used it only during Easter time, but it soon spread over the rest of the ecclesiastical year, except of course, during Lent. It used to be sung even at funerals and burial Masses as an expression of the conviction that for a true Christian the day of death was actually the birthday of eternal life, a day of joy.20 The Eastern Churches have preserved this custom in their Masses for the dead up to now. Customs The depositio (discontinuance) of the Alleluia on the eve of Septuagesima assumed in medieval times a solemn and emotional note of saying farewell to the beloved song. Despite the fact that Pope Alexander II had ordered a very simple and somber way of "deposing" the Alleluia, a variety of farewell customs prevailed in many countries up to the sixteenth century.21 They were inspired by the sentiment which Bishop William Duranti (1296) voiced in his commentaries on the Divine Office: "We part from the Alleluia as from a beloved friend, whom we embrace many times and kiss on mouth, head and hand, before we leave him."22 The liturgical office on the eve of Septuagesima was performed in many churches with special solemnity, and alleluias were freely inserted in the sacred text, even to the number of twenty-eight final alleluias in the church of Auxerre in France. This custom also inspired some tender poems which were sung or recited during Vespers in honor of the sacred word. The best known of these hymns is, Alleluia, dulce carmen (Alleluia, Song of Gladness), composed by an unknown author of the tenth century. It was translated into English by John Mason Neale (1866) and may be found in the official hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church.23 In some French churches the custom developed in ancient times of allowing the congregation to take part in the celebration of a quasi-liturgical farewell ceremony. The clergy abstained from any role in this popular service. Choirboys officiated in their stead at what was called "Burial of the Alleluia" performed the Saturday afternoon before Septuagesima Sunday. We find a description of it in the fifteenth-century statute book of the church of Toul: On Saturday before Septuagesima Sunday all choir boys gather in the sacristy during the prayer of the None, to prepare for the burial of the Alleluia. After the last Benedicamus [ i.e. , at the end of the service] they march in procession, with crosses, tapers, holy water and censers; and they carry a coffin, as in a funeral. Thus they proceed through the aisle, moaning and mourning, until they reach the cloister. There they bury the coffin; they sprinkle it with holy water and incense it; whereupon they return to the sacristy by the same way.24 In Paris, a straw figure bearing in golden letters the inscription "Alleluia" was carried out of the choir at the end of the service and burned in the church yard. With the exception of these quaint aberrations, however, the farewell to alleluia in most countries was an appropriate addition to the official ceremonies of the liturgy. The special texts (hymns, responsories, antiphons) used on that occasion were taken mostly from Holy Scripture, and are filled with pious sentiments of devotion, like the following unusual personification collected from a farewell service of the Mozarabic liturgy of Spain (ninth or tenth century): This is the Alleluia banner that I made for 2025! We bought our first home at the end of last year and we finally had a yard to do this custom. I was so thrilled that I created this myself and thought I would share so that you know that you can do it yourself too. (Note: This is what my husband and I pray after we bury the alleluia and sprinkle it with Holy Water.) Stay with us today, Alleluia, And tomorrow thou shalt part. When the morning rises, Thou shalt go thy way. Alleluia, alleluia. The mountains and hills shall rejoice, Alleluia, While they await thy glory. Thou goest, Alleluia; may thy way be blessed, Until thou shalt return with joy. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. 25 Thus the Alleluia is sung for the last time and not heard again until it suddenly bursts into glory during the Mass of the Easter Vigil when the celebrant intones this sacred word after the Epistle, repeating it three times, as a jubilant herald of the Resurrection of Christ.26 Source: Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs by Francis X. Weiser, S.J., Harcourt, Brace and Company, New York, 1958 You can learn more about this practice and other Lenten traditions in my book Festive Faith !

Initially on February 18th, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Bernadette Soubirous, the visionary of Lourdes, France. Now, if you’re new to Catholicism or just need a refresher, St. Bernadette is the young, unassuming girl who saw the Blessed Mother 18 times in a grotto and somehow managed to stay humble about it. Which, let’s be honest, is wildly impressive. Because if most of us saw Our Lady even once, we’d probably be dropping it into conversation at every opportunity. But St. Bernadette? She remained steadfastly simple and obedient, even to those who did not believe her story. She didn’t ask for visions, she didn’t seek attention, and she certainly didn’t try to make a name for herself. Instead, she spent the rest of her life in quiet service to God, joining the Sisters of Charity and living in humility, suffering from tuberculosis, and ultimately offering everything up to the Lord. One of the most astonishing aspects of St. Bernadette’s life isn’t just what happened during her time on earth—but what happened after she left it. When her body was exhumed multiple times (as is sometimes done in the canonization process), it was found to be miraculously incorrupt. That means despite decades in the grave, her body had not decayed like one would expect. In fact, when you visit Nevers, France, you can see St. Bernadette’s body enshrined in a glass reliquary, looking as if she had just fallen asleep in the Lord. While some preservation techniques were used later to maintain the skin's appearance, the incorruptibility of her body remains a profound sign of the holiness she lived and the favor she found with God. It’s a reminder that sainthood is not just an abstract goal—it has real, tangible effects. Why Is Her Feast Day Important? St. Bernadette’s feast day is more than just a chance to remember the girl who saw Mary—it’s an opportunity to reflect on her virtues: humility, faith, and perseverance. She reminds us that God doesn’t always call the rich, powerful, or well-educated to fulfill His plans. Sometimes, He calls a sickly miller’s daughter who had minimal formal education and was barely literate. The story of Lourdes is a powerful one, not just because of the miraculous spring that continues to heal people to this day, but because of Bernadette’s obedience. She did what Our Lady asked—whether it was digging in the dirt to uncover a hidden spring or standing firm in the face of doubters—and she never once made it about herself. Her feast day reminds us to seek holiness in the ordinary , to trust God even when we don’t understand , and to embrace suffering with grace. Liturgical Living Ideas to Celebrate St. Bernadette So how can we, as Catholic women, honor St. Bernadette’s feast day in our homes? Here are some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate: 1. Create a Little Lourdes Grotto at Home If you have a Mary statue in your home or garden, today is the perfect day to give it some extra love. Place flowers around it, light a candle, or even set up a small Lourdes-inspired prayer space. If you have little ones, you can let them decorate a Marian altar with blue and white (Marian colors) and teach them about Bernadette’s story. I found this one from Homegrown Catholics and I thought it would be really easy to mold a grotto out of Rice Krispies Treats! 2. Drink or Cook with Spring Water Lourdes is famous for its miraculous healing waters, so incorporating water into your meals today can be a fun way to honor the feast. Maybe start the day with a simple reminder to drink more water or use spring water for making soup or tea. Perhaps refill your Holy Water Fonts with spring water that has been blessed by a priest. We have these Ceramic Holy Water Fonts for the home that I are absolutely gorgeous and fit perfectly with any decorating style. 3. Make French-Inspired Treats Since Bernadette was from France, today is a fantastic excuse to make a little French cuisine. Think croissants, baguettes, or even a quiche if you’re feeling fancy. Bonus points if you serve it with a good French cheese and offer up a prayer of gratitude for the gifts of food and family. I have this Spinach Bacon Quiche recipe that's been family tested and approved! Very tasty! 4. Watch a Movie About Her Life There are several great films about St. Bernadette, including The Song of Bernadette , which won an Academy Award. While it’s a more dramatic take on her story, it’s still a great way to learn about her life. Grab some popcorn and make it a Catholic movie night! 5. Pray the Rosary (or At Least a Decade) Since the Rosary played a huge role in the apparitions at Lourdes, today is a wonderful time to commit to praying it. If you’re short on time, even a decade is a great way to honor Our Lady and St. Bernadette’s love for her. 6. Consider Humility and Suffering in Your Daily Musings Let’s be real—most of us don’t naturally want suffering. We avoid it at all costs. But St. Bernadette teaches us how to embrace it with grace. Take a few moments today to reflect on how you handle difficulties in your life. Do you offer them up? Do you trust that God can bring good from them? Consider writing a prayer asking for Bernadette’s intercession to grow in humility and trust. Final Thoughts St. Bernadette’s life is a reminder that God sees us, the little ones. The overlooked. The underestimated. She wasn’t rich, famous, or powerful, yet she was chosen to witness one of the most incredible Marian apparitions in history. Her feast day is an opportunity for us to step back and ask: "Am I living with the same humility and trust?" So let’s celebrate her today—not just with good food and pretty crafts, but with hearts open to God’s will, no matter how unexpected it may be. And hey, if you want to go full Bernadette and disappear into a convent after this, I won’t stop you. But if not, at least commit to bringing a little more humility, prayer, and trust into your everyday life. Because who knows? Holiness might be just as simple as saying yes—even in the little muddy grottos of our own life.

In today’s culture, St. Valentine’s Day is often reduced to candy hearts and romantic gestures, but as Catholic men, women, parents, and godparents we have a wonderful opportunity right in front of us to establish a more authentic meaning of the feast of St. Valentine for our families. This special day is about way more than how the secular world perceives love; it’s about St. Valentine’s deep love for Christ and his courageous witness to the faith. By celebrating his feast day liturgically, we can show our spouses and our children about true love—the kind that reflects God’s love for us. Who Was St. Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman priest who lived during a time of Christian persecution. He defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriages for Christian couples and was ultimately martyred for his faith. His life reminds us that true love is sacrificial, courageous, and rooted in Christ. If you'd like to learn more about the multifaceted history of the Catholic priest known as St. Valentine, grab a copy of my book Festive Faith . In it I've written all about who he is and common Catholic traditions associated with this feast day. Thank you for letting me squeeze that in, now back to some really sweet ideas for celebrating with Catholic kiddos. Liturgical Activities for Kids Here are some meaningful and festive ways to celebrate the feast of St. Valentine with your children. I recommend picking one or two that fit with the personalities and needs of your family. I will also try to share ways that you can adapt these ideas for ease and creativity! 1. Heart-Shaped Prayer Cards– Have your children create heart-shaped cards with Bible verses about love, such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Encourage them to give these cards to family members, friends, or their classmates. Adaptation: If you don't have the supplies or time to make cards you could always purchase Catholic St. Valentine day cards. My shop Liturgy Market has the following printable options: Scriptural St. Valentine Day Cards Saint Quote Valentine's Day Cards Saint Valentine Day Love Coupons for Couples Saint Valentine's Day Spiritual Bouquet Cards 2. St. Valentine’s Storytime– Read children's book about St. Valentine or wholesome stories of love, such as: The Story of St. Valentine , Happy Valentine's Day, Curious George , Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse , or God Gave Us Love . Tip: Before the start of a special feast day or season I like to pull out the books in our library that speak to those themes. You can either create a little book stack or a book basket, but put it in a place where they are easy to see and grab. Books can be a helpful reminder to us of the season we are in and the saints we are celebrating, as well as inspire us to live the virtues that they represent. 3. Acts of Love Jar– Create a jar filled with small slips of paper suggesting acts of love and kindness, such as “Pray for someone today” or “Help with a chore without being asked.” Tip: You can create enough for the entire month of February, or maybe just for the week of St. Valentine's Day. Explain to your children how the jar works, and make it a part of the morning or after school routine. Build excitement around it! Adaptation: You can also do this with popsicle sticks and a small vase or glass. 4. Bake Heart-Shaped Treats– Bake cookies or cupcakes in heart shapes and discuss how love should be shared with others, just as St. Valentine shared Christ’s love. Idea: Similar to how we do a Christmas cookie share, you might consider making a little extra and gifting it to your children's teachers, your neighbors, or your friends. Adaptation: If you don't have time to make them, buy them! 5. Family Rosary for Love– Pray the rosary together, focusing on the mysteries that reflect God’s love, such as the Joyful Mysteries. Adaptation: If you have really small children, try just doing one decade together. From my years of teaching small children I'd also like to recommend that you try this. Every time you say the word "Mary" tell them to do a certain hand gesture, like make a heart with their hands 🫶 or place their hands over their heart. Now they are actively listening to the words you are saying, staying more quiet during prayer, and engaging in a more sensory manner which will help to hold their attention. 6. Craft a Love Banner– Make a decorative banner with phrases like “God is Love” and hang it in your home as a visual reminder of divine love. 7. Write Letters to Jesus– Encourage children to write letters to Jesus, expressing their love and gratitude for Him. Tip: I highly recommend creating a memory box for each of your children. My husband and I both have something like this from our childhood and it is such a treasure to pull out things that we created when we were smaller. Our memory boxes also helps us to remember the traditions that our families did with us, so that we can continue those things. These sweet little St. Valentine's Day letters to Jesus would be just the thing to keep. 8.Create a Liturgical Playlist– Compile songs about God’s love to listen to throughout the day and have a joyful sing-along session. Embracing the True Meaning of Love St. Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to teach our children, spouses, and families that love is more than fleeting emotions; it is a decision to will the good of the other, just as Christ loves us. By celebrating St. Valentine’s feast liturgically, we can manifest what we believe in our homes with faith, love, and a deeper connection to our Catholic heritage. As you celebrate, share your activities and reflections with other Catholic families and inspire each other to live liturgically with joy and purpose. Happy Feast of St. Valentine!

Celebrate Catholic saints and feast days in Lent by cooking and baking food that will bring the entire family together. TRUE & GOOD RECIPES FOR His Girl Sunday Irish Soda Bread for St. Patrick's Day Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe! Learn the history, tips for baking, and step-by-step instructions. His Girl Sunday Shrimp Sheet Pan Quesadillas- Sts. Peter & Paul, Fridays, or Lent This made for a perfect "fishers of men" dinner for Sts. Peter & Paul, but could also be used for Fridays & Lent. His Girl Sunday Lemon Herb Salmon Our family has perfected a new meal for Catholic meatless Fridays that is fresh, light, and healthy. Try this Lemon Herb Salmon recipe! His Girl Sunday Hot Cross Buns for Good Friday There is so much meaning behind a Hot Cross Bun! Learn about it while you make this traditional Catholic Good Friday recipe. His Girl Sunday Sweet Potato Toast with Topping Ideas Don't worry about taking the twist tie off the bread this morning because we are switching it out for sweet potatoes. Try something new! His Girl Sunday Shrimp Tacos Tacos are a weekly staple in my kitchen. We always have the ingredients on hand and let's just call it like it is, they are easy and... His Girl Sunday St. Joseph's Day Zeppole- March 19 Catholics around the world are partaking in the timeless baking tradition of making Zeppole for the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Join me! His Girl Sunday Garlic Lamb Loin Chops- Easter, Holy Thursday, & St. Agnes Bring up the deep Catholic theological connections to lamb this season over my garlic lamb loin chops. His Girl Sunday Thai Salmon- Meatless Fridays Thai salmon is a delicious recipe to add to your meatless meal collection! Whether it be Lent or any Friday, you've got to try this! His Girl Sunday Homemade Pretzels- Lent & St. Monica- August 27 Homemade pretzels symbolize St. Monica's folded arms in prayer and the salt is for her tears. This is a meaningful Catholic recipe. 1 2

Celebrate Catholic saints and feast days by baking and cooking delicious recipes that will bring your family and friends together. Advent Recipes Go to Christmas Recipes Go to Winter Ordinary Time Recipes Go to Lenten Recipes Go to Easter Recipes Go to Summer Ordinary Time Recipes Go to Any Season Go to Meatless Meals Go to Drinks Go to LITURGY KITCHEN Liturgy Kitchen is an average wife's pursuit at making good food and drinks for feast days and seasons while dancing and talking theology. Steffani's fond memories of cooking up seasonal meals with her dad in the kitchen, and now serving her own family, has drawn her to share the ways in which food can nourish us both physically and spiritually. Growing together around the table is an essential part of celebrating God through the liturgical year, and an invaluable part of uniting friends and family. LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS

Celebrate Catholic saints and feast days in Easter by cooking and baking food that will bring the entire family together. TRUE & GOOD RECIPES FOR His Girl Sunday Pan-Seared Lamb Chops- St. Agnes & Easter Simple yet special pan-seared lamb chop recipe for the feast of St. Agnes and Easter. His Girl Sunday One-Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken- Our Lady of Fatima I am serving up a sun-dried tomato chicken dish for the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. See my recipe to find out why! His Girl Sunday Classic Deviled Eggs Enjoy this bite-sized classic party appetizer, it's easy to whip up and has just the right pop of flavor. His Girl Sunday Traditional Italian Pizzelles Thin, delicate, and crispy pizzelles are calling your name this Christmas. Share in this family recipe with us! His Girl Sunday Southern Sweet Potato Casserole Is my Southern Sweet Potato Casserole a side or a dessert? We can't make up our minds, because that's how enjoyable it is! See for yourself! His Girl Sunday Cinnamon Peach Crisp Peaches are in season, so why don't we make a Peach Crisp? This may or may not have also been my breakfast with a cup of coffee. Heavenly! His Girl Sunday Flaming Strawberries- For the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart or Pentecost Impress your friends and family with these flaming strawberries in celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. OoOh AaAaH! His Girl Sunday 5 Delicious Ice Cream Sundaes- Divine Mercy Sunday Enjoy a delicious sundae for the feast of Divine Mercy Sunday. Make it to reflect Jesus' heart, or try one of these five sundae recipes! His Girl Sunday St. Damien of Moloka'i- Mai Tai- May 10 A Mai Tai is a popular refreshing beverage in Hawaii. Make it for the feast of St. Damien of Molokai during these hot summer months. His Girl Sunday Clementine Cake- St. Catherine of Siena- April 29 St. Catherine likens the sweetness of Christ to the sweetness of boiled oranges. Let's celebrate her over a slice of Clementine Cake! 1 2