Lutherans have always understood that there is great benefit in remembering the saints whom God has given to the Church. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Article XXI) lists three reasons for such honour.

  • First, we thank God for giving faithful servants to His Church.
  • Second, through such remembrance our faith is strengthened as we see the mercy that God extended to His saints of old.
  • Third, these saints are examples both of faith and of holy living to imitate according to our calling in life.

Included on this Lutheran sanctoral calendar are men and women both from the Old and New Testament era as well as from the succeeding centuries of the Christian Church. Their faith and its expression in their lives have established them as individuals who deserve our recognition and regard, not for their own sake but for the greater glory of God among His people.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. — Hebrews 12:1

For those who observe the commemorations the purpose is to focus on Christ Jesus and His Gospel, giving thanks to God for demonstrating His mercy through graced and gifted women and men through whom the Holy Spirit has accomplished wonderful things. As our Lutheran Confessions simply and encouragingly state: “It is truly worthwhile to hear of these things and to see some examples of mercy” (Apology to the Augsburg Confession, XXI, 36).

January

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February

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March

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April

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May

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June

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July

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August

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September

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October

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November

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December

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Looking to learn more?

The following documents from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) may be helpful to those interested in learning more about the lives of the saints mentioned above, as well as why Lutherans celebrate the saints in this way. More information about commemorations and other minor festivals of the Church Year can also be found in the Lutheran Service Book.

About the project

The Commemoration Card Project created by Julia Flor, LCC Communications Intern 2021, is designed to highlight notable events in the faith life of the saints, to help us remember the people of God from centuries past, that we might imitate their faith and good works according to our calling, Augsburg Confession XXI.