June is a month in which the Church celebrates several important solemnities. Solemnities are the king of all feast days in the Church. Only one of the solemnities in June falls on a Sunday this year; the rest are on regular weekdays.
So what better way to celebrate this month than by enjoying the highest feasts of the Church year? Here's a mini soundtrack for each day, as well as an idea of some food to make to enjoy the feasts.
This is the day we celebrate the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ hidden in the host and chalice. Many parishes have a Eucharistic procession after Sunday Mass. Try to participate in a procession if you can, as following Jesus on the streets is a beautiful experience.
What to listen to today: “You Taste Like Wine” by The Collection and “Belly of the Deepest Love” by Tow'rs
In the choruses of each song, reflect on the lines “Oh, how you wish to be with me” and “You taste like wine” as meditations on the gift Jesus gives us in his presence in the Eucharist.
What to make: There's nothing like the scent of freshly baked bread. Try this simple recipe. If you have never baked bread before, have no fear. It only requires a few ingredients, a working oven, and enough preparation time. Start the recipe five hours before you need to eat it, as it will sit for a total of three and a half hours and bake for 40 minutes.
On this feast we look at the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion dating back to the 1600s. What a beautiful day to think about God’s unending love for every person.
What to listen to today: For help meditating on God’s love, try listening to “No Limit to Your Love” by John van Deusen and “How Deep the Father's Love for Us” by Wilder Adkins
What to make: Try these little chocolate cheesecakes topped with cherry, no baking required. The cherry topping can remind us of the traditional color for the heart and love, while the sweet and decadent nature of the treat is a tiny nod to the sweetness and decadence of God’s love.
Get ready for two solemnities in a row as we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her pure and gentle love is the theme of the day, from her yes at the Annunciation to her steadfastness at Jesus’ death on the cross.
What to listen to today: “Nazareth Morning” by Bay Ridge Band
What to make: Enjoy some sweet, white vanilla ice cream shakes. Just mix together ice cream with milk. A blender will make the work easier, but by hand is possible too.
Jesus said of John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11: "Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.”
What to listen to today: “Samurai Cop” by the Dave Matthews Band.
While this song is not specifically about St. John the Baptist, it celebrates the beauty of birth. It brings to mind what joy Elizabeth and Zachariah must have felt at the birth of their longed-for son.
What to make: Here's an excuse to have a birthday cake. We don't celebrate many saints' birthdays, so whether you make a birthday cake with frosting or even just grab some birthday cake ice cream.
These are two of the big "powerhouses" of the New Testament. We celebrate the first pope, Peter, and the great evangelist and missionary, Paul.
What to listen to today: “Dirt” by The Collection. Enjoy a quick lyrical run through salvation history that moves from Abraham to Peter and Paul with the theme: dirt.
What to make: Enjoy some biscotti with your morning coffee or tea. Here is a simple recipe for the Italian cookie, or just grab some from the grocery store. Rome played a big part in Peter and Paul’s stories, and the rough texture of the cookies complements a warm beverage, just like Peter and Paul’s leadership complemented each other in the early church.
And last, but not least, here is the best way to celebrate each of the above named days. If you are able, try to attend the greatest feast we have access to on earth ... the holy sacrifice of the Mass.
Happy June solemnities!
