Summertime Saints: Holy Heroes To Survive the Sunny Season

We can never learn too much about the Saints, our heavenly role models. Here are five to invoke during the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.

From Aleteia

By Crith Gardiner

From road trips to restless kids, these summertime saints offer wisdom, calm, and companionship for the season.

With summer holidays just around the corner, our schedules shift to sunny, unstructured days, it’s the perfect time to get to know a few saintly companions who seem tailor-made for this joyful -- and chaotic! -- season. These saints aren’t just inspiring in a distant, lofty way — they lived with courage, joy, and purpose that still speaks to our everyday lives.

Whether you’re navigating long car journeys, trying to keep the kids entertained, or just craving a bit of spiritual refreshment between Popsicles and pool time, these holy men and women are here to walk the summer with you. Think of them as a little saint squad — ideal to dip into with your kids over breakfast, or to inspire a simple celebration on a quiet feast day.

Here’s a collection of summertime saints who will help you survive until the kids go back to school — and maybe add a little light to your season.

St. John the Baptist

The feast of St. John the Baptist falls right in the heart of summer, around the time when days are at their longest — and fittingly so. John was the forerunner, the light pointing to the Light. His whole life was about preparing the way and stepping aside with humility so Jesus could shine.

In a season where we often seek rest and clarity, John reminds us of the power of knowing who we are — and who we are not. He’s a beautiful example for teens and adults alike of standing firm in truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Plus, his feast day has long been associated with bonfires and midsummer festivities in Europe — a lovely excuse for a backyard gathering with s’mores and a moment of gratitude.

St. Christopher

If you’ve ever squabbled over the GPS or packed the tenth snack bag for a family drive, you’ll appreciate St. Christopher. Though his story blends legend and truth, he’s long been venerated as the patron saint of travelers.

One of the most enduring images of him is carrying the Christ Child across a river — a strong man helping others safely cross life’s turbulent waters. He’s an ideal spiritual companion for family vacations or even quick trips to the grandparents’ house.

Slip a St. Christopher medal into your car or say a short prayer before your next road trip — not as superstition, but as a quiet way of inviting peace and protection along the journey.

St. Maria Goretti

Summer brings a break from school but not from growing up. For children and teens navigating identity and choices, St. Maria Goretti is a surprisingly powerful role model.

Only 11 years old when she was killed resisting a sexual assault, Maria showed remarkable strength and mercy — even forgiving her attacker on her deathbed. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and deep faith — all lived through a child's eyes.

Maria, who tried to talk her attacker out of endangering his own soul, is a tender reminder that young people are capable of profound holiness. Her feast day could be a gentle moment to talk with older teens about making wise choices in those heady summer days when romance may blossom. It could also provide the perfect opportunity to address the power of forgiveness, kindness, and courage.

St. Martha

St. Martha is the perfect summer saint for anyone who finds themselves knee-deep in family picnics, neighborhood barbecues, or playdates that never quite end. She’s known for bustling around to serve Jesus while her sister Mary of Bethany sat at His feet — a scene many of us might relate to!

While Jesus gently reminded her not to worry so much, He also loved and respected her — and later, when her brother Lazarus died, it was Martha who made one of the boldest declarations of faith in Scripture.

If you’re in charge of keeping the household humming this summer, take comfort in Martha: practical, busy, faithful. Light a candle near the kitchen or say a quick prayer when the dishwasher feels never-ending — she gets it.

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati

Pier Giorgio was the kind of person you’d want on your summer hike or camping trip. Athletic, fun-loving, deeply generous — he was a 20th-century Italian who loved climbing mountains, spending time outdoors, and quietly serving the poor.

He reminds us that holiness isn’t just found in churches — it’s in the way we live, love, and lift others up. He famously said, “Verso l’alto” — “To the heights” — not just about climbing peaks, but about always striving toward God.

His feast day falls right on Independence Day, making him a perfect saint to celebrate with a picnic, a prayer, and maybe a family hike. He’s an ideal model for teens looking for authentic, joyful faith — and a great reminder that sainthood doesn’t mean losing your sense of humor or adventure.

St. Monica

By late summer, many parents are counting down the days until school starts again — and wondering how many more snacks, spills, and sibling squabbles they can manage. Enter St. Monica: a woman who knew all about long waits, deep hope, and relentless love.

She spent years praying for her wayward son, Augustine — who eventually became one of the Church’s greatest saints. But her strength didn’t come from having perfect kids or a picture-perfect life. It came from grace, grit, and a refusal to give up.

Monica is a powerful reminder that even when change feels slow (or invisible), faithfulness matters. She’s a comforting friend to call on during those “how is it only 10 a.m.?” moments of parenthood. Her feast day in late August is beautifully timed — just before the school year begins again. A quiet prayer in her honor might be the perfect way to reflect on the growth that’s happened in your home over the summer — even if it came with a few meltdowns along the way.