Saints Martha, Mary and Lazarus

Martha, Mary and their brother Lazarus lived in Bethany, a village near Jerusalem, and were close friends of Jesus, who often stayed in their home. Saint Luke tells how Martha busied herself with serving while Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to him, and Jesus gently reminded Martha that Mary had chosen "the better part."

When Lazarus fell ill and died, Jesus came to Bethany. Martha went out to meet him and professed her faith: "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God." Jesus wept at the tomb and then called Lazarus out, alive, after four days, a sign that he is the Resurrection and the Life. Days before the Passion, Mary anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfume. For centuries only Martha was honored on July 29; in 2021 Pope Francis added Mary and Lazarus to the memorial, so the Church now celebrates the three siblings together as models of hospitality, listening and faith.

A medieval Provençal legend says the siblings came to southern France, where Martha tamed the dragon Tarasque at Tarascon, a story still celebrated in the town's festival. Martha is especially loved by cooks, hosts and homemakers, and many families honor her by sharing a meal with friends.