Order of Carmelites

Memorial of St. Martha

Today, July 29, is the memorial of Saint Martha.

Patron saint of hotel-keepers.

Together with her siblings Lazarus and Mary, she is described as living in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. She was a friend of Jesus, and hostess to Him in her house. She was witness to Jesus’ resurrection of her brother, Lazarus. Martha may have been part of an early mission to France.

Legend has it that a dragon (Tarasque) was terrorizing the citizens of the riverside of Rhone. They prayed for help to St. Martha, who appeared and vanquished the beast.