May 14

Holidays & Observances

Christianfeast day:

Boniface of Tarsus, Engelmund of Velsen, Matthias the Apostle(Roman Catholic Church,Anglican Communion,Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), Michael Garicoïts, Mo Chutu of Lismore(Roman Catholic Church), Victor and Corona, May 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A day in the Christian liturgical calendar honoring the memorials of several saints across different denominations.
Each year on May 14, Christian churches commemorate the feast days of saints such as Boniface of Tarsus, Engelmund of Velsen, Matthias the Apostle, Michael Garicoïts, Mo Chutu of Lismore, Victor, and Corona. Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran communities hold special services, prayers, and readings in their memory. Eastern Orthodox liturgics also mark this date with hymns and devotional practices. Celebrations vary regionally, reflecting diverse cultural traditions and local patronage. Faithful may participate in processions, charitable acts, and community gatherings to honor these figures' legacies.
feast day Boniface of Tarsus Engelmund of Velsen Matthias the Apostle Roman Catholic Church Anglican Communion Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Michael Garicoïts Mo Chutu of Lismore Roman Catholic Church Victor and Corona May 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

Independence Day(Paraguay)

Paraguay’s national holiday celebrating independence from Spanish rule.
Independence Day in Paraguay commemorates the country’s declaration of sovereignty on May 14, 1811. It is marked by official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events in the capital and throughout the nation. Paraguayan flags and vibrant decorations adorn public buildings, streets, and homes. Traditional music and folk dances highlight the country’s rich heritage. Citizens enjoy festivities with family gatherings, local cuisine, and fireworks that honor their national identity.
Independence Day Paraguay

Hastings Banda's Birthday(Malawi)

The commemoration of the birth of Malawi’s first president, Hastings Banda.
May 14 marks the birthday of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the first President of Malawi. Although not an official public holiday today, the date remains significant in the nation’s historical memory. Supporters and historians reflect on Banda’s role in securing independence and shaping Malawi’s early years. Academic discussions and media features often revisit his legacy and political impact. Communities may hold seminars and exhibitions highlighting the country’s path to nationhood under his leadership.
Hastings Banda's Birthday Malawi

National Unification Day(Liberia)

Liberia’s annual celebration of national unity and harmony.
National Unification Day in Liberia honors the end of civil conflict and the country’s efforts to rebuild unity among its citizens. Observed each May 14, the day features public ceremonies, cultural performances, and speeches by political leaders. Educational programs focus on reconciliation and community development initiatives. Schools and organizations host workshops on peacebuilding and interethnic cooperation. Citizens celebrate with parades, music, and traditional dances that reflect Liberia’s diverse cultural heritage.
National Unification Day Liberia

The first day ofIzumo-taisha Shrine Grand Festival. (Izumo-taisha)

The opening day of the grand annual festival at Izumo-taisha, one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines.
Each year on May 14, Izumo-taisha in Shimane Prefecture begins its Grand Festival, honoring the kami (deities) enshrined there. The multi-day event features traditional rituals, music, and sacred dances performed by Shinto priests and miko. Thousands of worshippers and visitors gather to pray for good fortune, matchmaking, and community blessings. The festival showcases ancient customs handed down for centuries, including the kagura performances. Local vendors offer regional foods and crafts, making it both a spiritual and cultural highlight of the spring season in Japan.
Izumo-taisha Shrine Grand Festival Izumo-taisha

Boniface of Tarsus

Feast day celebrating Saint Boniface of Tarsus.
Saint Boniface of Tarsus is commemorated on May 14 for his martyrdom in the early Christian church. According to tradition, he was tortured and executed for refusing to renounce his faith. Devotion to Boniface spread throughout medieval Europe, and he is invoked as a protector against false allegations. On his feast day, Christians attend masses and prayers in his honor, reflecting on his witness to faith. Churches dedicated to him may hold special liturgies and charitable activities.
Boniface of Tarsus

Engelmund of Velsen

Commemoration of Saint Engelmund of Velsen, an early medieval missionary.
Saint Engelmund of Velsen, a 9th-century missionary to the Frisians, is honored on May 14. Tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in what is now the Netherlands, founding Christian communities along the coast. He is venerated for his dedication to spreading Christianity and his ascetic lifestyle. On his feast day, services include readings about his missionary journeys and prayers for guidance in faith. Some parishes hold processions to sites associated with his ministry.
Engelmund of Velsen

Matthias the Apostle(Roman Catholic Church,Anglican Communion,Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

Feast day of Saint Matthias the Apostle, chosen to replace Judas Iscariot.
Saint Matthias the Apostle, who was selected by the early Christian community to replace Judas Iscariot, is celebrated on May 14. His appointment is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, highlighting themes of faith and divine choice. Matthias is venerated for his testimony to the resurrection of Christ and his missionary service. On this day, churches in Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions hold special liturgies and Gospel readings. Faithful reflect on his example of discipleship and commitment amid challenges.
Matthias the Apostle Roman Catholic Church Anglican Communion Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Michael Garicoïts

Feast day honoring Saint Michael Garicoïts, founder of a French religious congregation.
Saint Michael Garicoïts (1797–1863) is remembered on May 14 as the founder of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Bétharram. Known for his pastoral zeal and devotion to education, he established schools and churches in southwestern France. His ministry emphasized service to the poor and the sacramental life. On this feast day, those affiliated with his congregation and parish communities celebrate with Masses, hymns, and reflections on his writings. Pilgrimages to the Bétharram sanctuary commemorate his spirituality and charitable works.
Michael Garicoïts

Mo Chutu of Lismore(Roman Catholic Church)

Feast of Saint Mo Chutu of Lismore, an early Irish abbot and missionary.
Saint Mo Chutu of Lismore, also known as Carthage, was an influential 7th-century Irish abbot who founded the monastery at Lismore. Celebrated on May 14, his legacy includes a school and scriptorium that became a center of learning. He is honored for his leadership in the Irish monastic tradition and his role in ecclesiastical reform. On his feast day, liturgies recall his commitment to scholarship, prayer, and hospitality. Irish communities and visitors to Lismore Abbey participate in services and cultural events celebrating Celtic Christian heritage.
Mo Chutu of Lismore Roman Catholic Church

Victor and Corona

The feast day of Saints Victor and Corona, early Christian martyrs, observed on May 14 by Catholic and Orthodox Christians.
According to Christian tradition, Saints Victor and Corona were early martyrs who bravely stood for their faith under Roman persecution. St. Victor, a Roman soldier, refused to renounce Christianity, while St. Corona, a young woman, endured torture for her devotion. Their shared feast on May 14 is observed in both Catholic and Orthodox churches. Worshipers commemorate their courage through special liturgies, prayers, and veneration of relics. This day inspires believers to reflect on steadfastness and spiritual conviction.
Victor and Corona

May 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)

A collection of saints and feasts commemorated in the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar on May 14.
On May 14, the Eastern Orthodox Church honors a variety of saints and historical events in its liturgical calendar. Observances include the Prophet Isaiah, Martyr Isidore of Chios, and other figures whose faith and sacrifice are remembered. Special services feature chanted hymns, the Divine Liturgy, and readings that highlight the virtues of the commemorated saints. Icons are venerated, candles lit, and communities gather to offer prayers. This daily commemoration connects believers with centuries of spiritual tradition and encourages reflection on enduring faith.
May 14 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)