Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were siblings from Bethany who were close friends of Jesus. Martha served Jesus in her home, Mary sat at his feet to listen, and Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus. Their shared feast celebrates the different ways they each responded to Christ's love. The Church celebrates Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus's feast on 07-29.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were siblings from Bethany who were close friends of Jesus. Martha served Jesus in her home, Mary sat at his feet to listen, and Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus. Their shared feast celebrates the different ways they each responded to Christ's love.
The vocation of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Cooks, homemakers (Martha); contemplatives (Mary); the sick (Lazarus)
Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is honored as the patron saint of Cooks, homemakers (Martha); contemplatives (Mary); the sick (Lazarus). The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Cooks have traditionally invoked Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is grounded in the specific details of Lazarus's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and seek Lazarus's intercession:
On the Feast Day (07-29): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Lazarus's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Lazarus's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Lazarus, pray for us," draws Lazarus's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus
O glorious Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Lazarus's memory imitate Lazarus's virtues and one day share Lazarus's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Art and Catholic Tradition
Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Lazarus's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Lazarus's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus: In 2021, Pope Francis added Mary and Lazarus to Martha's existing feast day, making it a joint celebration of all three siblings.
When praying before an image of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.