St. Martha

St. Martha of Bethany was the sister of Mary and of Lazarus, and a close friend of Jesus, who often lodged at their home in the village of Bethany near Jerusalem. She is remembered above all for two Gospel scenes. In the first, she busies herself serving the Lord while her sister Mary sits at His feet, and Jesus gently teaches her that "Mary has chosen the better part," honoring contemplation without dismissing her generous hospitality.

In the second, at the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha makes one of the great confessions of faith in the Gospels, declaring to Jesus, "You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world," just before He raises Lazarus from the tomb. Honored as a model of active faith and welcome, she is the patron of cooks, servers, and hospitality. Since 2021 she has been celebrated together with Mary and Lazarus on 29 July.