The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
The month of July is dedicated to The Precious Blood of Jesus.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of July 2026
For respect for human life: Let us pray for the respect and protection of human life in all its stages, recognizing it as a gift from God.
Feasts for July
1. Junípero Serra (USA), Mem.
3. Thomas, Apostle, Feast
4. Independence Day (USA), Opt. Mem.
5. FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday
6. Maria Goretti, Opt. Mem.
9. Augustine Zhao Rong & companions, Opt. Mem.
11. Benedict, Memorial
12. FIFTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday
13. Henry, Opt. Mem.
14. Kateri Tekakwitha (USA), Memorial
15. Bonaventure, Memorial
16. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Opt. Mem.
18. Camillus de Lellis (USA), Opt. Mem.
19. SIXTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday
20. Apollinaris, Opt. Mem.
21. Lawrence of Brindisi, Opt. Mem.
22. Mary Magdalene, Feast
23. Bridget, Opt. Mem.
24. Sharbel (Charbel) Makhloof, Opt. Mem.
25. James, Apostle, Feast
26. SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, Sunday
29. Martha, Mary and Lazarus, Memorial
30. Peter Chrysologus; Solanus Casey, Opt. Mem.
31. Ignatius of Loyola, Memorial
Focus of the Liturgy
The Gospel readings for July are taken from St. Matthew. All Sunday readings are from Cycle A, and Weekday readings are from Year II.
| July 5th Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Cycle A, Mt 11:25-30: I am meek and humble of heart. |
| July 12th Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Cycle A, Mt 13:1-23: A sower went out to sow. |
| July 19th Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Cycle A, Mt 13:24-43: Let them grow together until harvest. |
| July 26th Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time |
Cycle A, Mt 13:44-46: He sells all that he has and buys the field. |
Highlights of the Month
July is usually hot and a time for relaxing. It is also the time when crops planted in the Spring are maturing and growing. Just as the crops are dependent upon summer rains not only to grow but to survive so our spiritual development is dependent upon our frequenting the sacraments and receiving the Blood of Christ.
A Time of Regeneration
The Blood that coursed through the veins of Christ was a part of that Sacred Humanity made possible by the maternity of Mary, whose parents, St. Joachim and St. Anne are honored this month. (July 26). Our Lord's blood poured out on the Cross purchased our salvation, washed clean the robes of the martyrs, and gave birth to the Church as it flowed from his wounded side. The Precious Blood of Christ — now pulsing through his Mystical Body — continues its salvific work, preserving and purifying, repairing and providing nourishment for regeneration and renewal of its members.
July’s longer and warmer days also provide us with the opportunity for renewal, both interior and exterior. Schedules relax and pressures ease, inviting travel. But, whether we travel or not, like the missionary, St. Junipero Serra (July 1), we preach to others — by our conduct, our speech, even the clothes we wear. May we be modest in everything we do, imitating St. Maria Goretti, the young martyr for purity (July 6), and “preaching” Christ to everyone we meet.
The summer Mass and Liturgy of the Hours readings in Ordinary Time remind us that our earthly pilgrimage is also a journey, a great adventure towards union with Christ, the Beginning and the End of our journey. Each Sunday with its Easter renewal becomes a mile marker along the way, linking where we have been with where we are going. May the Precious Blood of Jesus sustain us as we journey to our true home, with Mary and the angels as our companions on the way.
From:catholicculture,org
