Festive Faith | A Handbook for Homes and Parishes
From St. Nicholas shoes, St. Lucy lights, and Simbang Gabi, Wren Day, king cakes, and Candlemas to Easter egg trees, May Crowning, and Dia de los Muertos, Catholic traditions from around the world evoke memories of cherished celebrations that connect us to one another and draw us closer to God. In Festive Faith, Steffani Aquila, founder of Liturgy Culture & Kitchen by His Girl Sunday, brings to life liturgical living as more than simply observing seasons. It’s about joyously celebrating God’s presence in our midst, every day and in every way.
Festive Faith is a treasury of more than seventy festive traditions celebrated in various cultural groups during specific seasons or on particular days of our liturgical year. For each one, Aquila shares a brief history, a description of what the custom involves, and practical adaptations for celebrating it today. She tells you the why and the how of these traditions and shares tips on how to make them accessible, attainable, and authentic for everyone in your household, neighborhood, and parish communities.
Festive Faith also includes stories from twenty individuals of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who share personal experiences of living the liturgical traditions of their communities. Learn from them how the faith of generations has been deepened by traditions such as these:
- The Mexican tradition of La Posadas, where the community travels from house to house looking for a place in the inn
- The practice of making and eating king cakes to represent Christ the King
- The Polish tradition of blessing of the Easter basket on Holy Saturday to signify the end of fasting and the anticipation of the Easter season
- The Holy Thursday tradition of visiting seven churches with family and friends to stay awake during the time Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane
Whether you’re well-versed in these practices or just beginning your journey, Festive Faith equips you with practical tools and insights to make these traditions your own. Each showcased custom is accompanied by actionable steps that invite you to carry on the tradition, adapt it to your context, and extend it from your home into your parish and back again.
This handbook isn’t just for personal or family enrichment; it’s a valuable resource for catechists, parish leaders, and religious educators alike. With its blend of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and practical tips, Festive Faith is a celebration of Catholic heritage and a roadmap for embracing liturgical living in today’s world. Dive in and discover the joy of celebrating God’s presence in every season and every moment.
