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St. Martha

St. Martha

1st century – 1st century
Feast
July 29 · I c.
Patron of
Cooks · Servers · Homemakers · Hospitality · Housekeepers
Order
Biblical Saint

Sister of Sts. Mary of Bethany and Lazarus (Lk 10:38-42; Jn 11-12), hostess of Jesus at her home in Bethany; the active sister rebuked for being "anxious about many things" but who at Lazarus's tomb confessed Jesus as the Christ, Son of God (Jn 11:27). Provençal tradition makes her a missionary to Marseille. Joint Roman feast with Mary and Lazarus on July 29 (since 2021).

Life & Times

Born: 1st century · Died: 1st century · From: Bethany / Judea.

Patronage

St. Martha is invoked as the patron of cooks, servers, homemakers, hospitality, housekeepers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.

“Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
— Gospel of John 11:27 — her confession at Bethany

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Devotional items honoring St. Martha, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.

About Catholic Saints

Catholic saints, including St. Martha, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.