Scroll to the bottom to grab your free May Catholic feast days calendar!
May is one of the most beautiful months in the Catholic liturgical year. It’s traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, making it a perfect time for families to grow in Marian devotion together.
This month is filled with powerful feast days: Saint Joseph the Worker, Our Lady of Fatima, the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, beautiful Marian celebrations, and beloved saints like St. Rita of Cascia, St. Philip Neri, and St. Joan of Arc.
If you’re helping your children learn the Catholic faith, May offers so many opportunities to teach them about prayer, courage, joy, and the love of Our Blessed Mother.
This guide covers the major Catholic feast days and saints in May 2026, along with a free printable calendar your kids can use at home, in your homeschool, or in catechism class.
The Liturgical Season in May
May 2026 begins during Eastertide — the joyful 50-day season of celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection.
The liturgical color remains white, a symbol of joy, victory, and new life.
Later in the month, we celebrate two of the most important events in the Church year:
- The Ascension of the Lord
- Pentecost
These feasts mark Jesus returning to the Father and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
Because May is also the Month of Mary, it’s an especially beautiful time to pray the Rosary as a family, create a small Marian altar at home, or crown a statue of Mary with flowers.
Almost every day in May gives families a chance to reflect on faith, holiness, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
May 1 — St. Joseph the Worker
The Church honors St. Joseph under his title as a worker and protector of laborers.
St. Joseph reminds us that ordinary work matters deeply to God. As a carpenter, he provided for the Holy Family through humble, faithful labor.
This feast is a wonderful opportunity to teach children that every task — homework, chores, helping others — can be offered to God.
Patron of: workers, fathers, craftsmen, the universal Church
May 13 — Our Lady of Fatima
On this day we remember Mary’s first appearance to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.
Mary asked the children to pray the Rosary every day for peace and for the conversion of sinners.
The message of Fatima is simple and powerful: prayer matters.
This is a perfect day to pray even one decade of the Rosary as a family.
May 14 (or May 17 in some places) — Ascension of the Lord
Forty days after Easter, Jesus ascended into Heaven before His disciples.
This feast reminds us that Jesus opened Heaven for us and calls us to follow Him.
Why is it celebrated on different dates?
Traditionally, Ascension is celebrated on Thursday, May 14, exactly forty days after Easter.
However, in many dioceses, including much of North America, it is moved to Sunday, May 17, so more Catholics can celebrate at Mass.
May 22 — St. Rita of Cascia
St. Rita is one of the most beloved saints in the Church and is known as the patron saint of impossible causes.
Her life was marked by suffering, forgiveness, and incredible trust in God.
Many Catholics ask for her intercession during very difficult times.
Her symbol is the rose, making her feast especially beautiful for children.
Patron of: impossible causes, difficult marriages, hopeless situations
For kids: When something feels impossible, St. Rita reminds us to pray and trust God.
May 23 — Mary, Queen of Apostles
This feast celebrates Mary as the spiritual mother who guided and prayed with the apostles.
After Jesus ascended into Heaven, Mary remained with the apostles as they waited for the Holy Spirit.
She teaches us how to wait faithfully and trust God’s promises.
For kids: Mary helps lead us closer to Jesus, just like she guided the apostles.
May 24 — Pentecost
Pentecost is one of the greatest feast days of the Church.
On this day, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles as tongues of fire.
This is often called the birthday of the Church, because the apostles were empowered to go out and preach the Gospel.
The liturgical color changes to red, symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit.
For kids: The Holy Spirit gives us courage to follow Jesus.
A fun activity for kids: make paper flames and write gifts of the Holy Spirit on them.
May 25 — Mary, Mother of the Church
This beautiful Marian feast reminds us that Mary is the mother of all Christians.
As Jesus hung on the Cross, He gave Mary to us when He said to St. John:
“Behold your mother.” (John 19:27)
This feast is a wonderful day to teach children that Mary lovingly cares for each of us.
May 26 — St. Philip Neri
A joyful heart can bring others closer to Jesus! St. Philip Neri is known as the saint of joy.
He loved laughter, kindness, and helping people grow closer to God.
He reminds us that holiness is not gloomy — true holiness is joyful.
Patron of: joy, humor, Rome
May 30 — St. Joan of Arc
St. Joan of Arc was a teenage girl who courageously followed God’s call.
Though young, she trusted God completely and remained faithful even when it cost her everything.
She is a powerful example for children, especially girls, of courage and faith.
Patron of: France, soldiers, young people facing trials
For kids: You are never too young to do brave things for God!
May 31 — Most Holy Trinity
This feast celebrates one of the greatest mysteries of our faith:
One God in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Trinity is difficult even for adults to fully understand, but children can begin to appreciate its beauty.
A simple explanation:
Just as one shamrock has three leaves, God is three Persons but one God.
For kids: God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — three Persons united in perfect love.
Free May Catholic Calendar Printable for Kids
Download your free May 2026 Catholic feast days calendar below — perfect for your fridge, homeschool wall, prayer corner, or catechism classroom.
Click here to download your calendar!
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More Catholic Resources for May
🌹 Free Rosary Booklet Printable PDF — My Little Rosary Book for Kids (Color version)
🌹 Free Rosary Booklet Printable PDF — My Little Rosary Book for Kids
💙 Teaching the Mysteries of The Rosary to Kids: Reflections for all 20 Mysteries + Free Printable