Today is the feast of Sts. (Simon) Peter and Paul.  As we have both a Simon and a Paul, the time is ripe for a Name Day Celebration.  As a child, reading stories of exemplary Christian of days gone by inspired me to feel a sense of connection to history and the larger family of believers.  Naming my children after particular Saints, or deriving their names from them (for my girls), fosters devotion and a sense of intimate connection in them.  Paul, especially, loves to announce that he has “two Saints in my name.”  And he is also the type of boy who is frequently reminded that he has two names.

I will have to consult with Brian, as he just suffered having a tooth pulled and may not be up for it, but I have a bag of marshmallows waiting to be roasted over our fire pit. Or maybe we’ll just have cake. We’ll read the Saints’ legends and say some special prayers. Anyone else make a practice of celebrating name days? I’ve long wanted to develop a regular habit, but the days always sneak up on me, even despite noting them on my calendar. If you celebrate, what do you do?