How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Luke with Kids (October 18)

The feast of St. Luke, celebrated on October 18, is a wonderful opportunity to honor this beloved saint, known as the patron of artists, physicians, and surgeons. St. Luke is also credited with writing one of the Gospels and is often depicted with an icon of Mary and Jesus. Celebrating this feast day with kids can be both meaningful and fun! Here are some engaging activities, tasty foods, and ways to learn about the significance of icons.

1. Coloring Page and Color-by-Number Icon

Start the celebration by having the children color a picture of St. Luke and a color-by-number icon depicting Mary and Jesus. This activity allows them to express their creativity while introducing them to the beauty of religious art. After they finish coloring, take a moment to discuss the significance of the images they’ve created.

2. Enjoy food related to St. Luke

Ox-themed Foods: Since St. Luke is often associated with the ox, consider serving dishes that incorporate beef, such as beef stew, meatballs, beef tacos. During your meal you can light a candle since St. Luke’s name means “light” or “illumination.” You can light a candle as a symbol of his name and the light of faith that he brought to the world through his Gospel. 

3. Play Dough Sculptures

Encourage the kids to engage in sculpting activities by providing playdough. Since St. Luke is the patron of sculptors, let the children create their own sculptures based on what they’ve learned about St. Luke or anything they desire. 

4. Venerate Icons

Teach the children about St. Luke’s role as the first iconographer. Gather any icons you have around your home, or explore images of St. Luke and other saints together. Spend time discussing the meaning behind the icons and why they are important in the faith.

5. Read the Gospel of Luke

Encourage the kids to read passages from the Gospel of Luke, such as the Magnificat or the story of the Nativity. These passages provide valuable insights into Mary’s life and teachings, and much of what we know about her comes from St. Luke’s Gospel. You could even have a family reading time where everyone shares their favorite parts.

Conclusion

Celebrating the feast of St. Luke with children can deepen their understanding of faith while providing an opportunity for creativity, delicious food, and engaging activities. By embracing the spirit of St. Luke, we can encourage kids to appreciate the beauty of religious art, the importance of compassion, and the gift of storytelling in our faith. Enjoy this special day together as a family!