Prince of Piety
Laissez les Bons Temps Rouler
Ashes to Ashes
Besties in Faith
The Hospitable Saint
100

This Polish prince and patron saint of Lithuania was known for his deep piety and commitment to celibacy, despite his royal status.

Saint Casimir of Poland

100

In many cultures, this sweet treat is eaten on Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday as a way to use up rich ingredients before Lent.

Pancakes

100

On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, Catholics are required to fast and abstain from eating this type of food.

Meat

100

Saints Perpetua and Felicity were martyred in this North African city, which was a major center of early Christianity.

Carthage

100

Before dedicating his life to God, Saint John of God worked as a soldier and later as a bookseller in this southwestern European country.

Spain

200

Saint Casimir is often depicted holding this symbolic flower, representing his devotion to the Virgin Mary.

Lily

200

Before the reforms of Vatican II, the Sunday before the beginning of Lent was known as Quinquagesima Sunday, because it was this many days before Easter.

Fifty

200

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics and many other Christians receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of this symbol.

Cross

200

Perpetua and Felicity were executed in the arena as part of public games held in honor of the emperor’s birthday during this century.

3rd century (AD 203)

200

Saint John of God is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, and this group of professionals who dedicate their lives to saving others in emergencies.

Firefighters

300

Saint Casimir was originally buried in Vilnius Cathedral, located in the capital city of this country.

Lithuania

300

This round, brightly decorated pastry, popular during Mardi Gras, often contains a hidden plastic baby inside.

King cake

300

Traditionally, ashes used on Ash Wednesday come from the burned remains of this sacramental from the previous year's holy week.

Palm branches

300

Saint Perpetua kept a firsthand written account of her time in prison, making her one of the earliest known female authors in this language.

Latin

300

The religious order founded by Saint John of God is known by this name, which reflects their mission of serving the ill and suffering.

Brothers Hospitallers

400

Despite being a royal prince, Saint Casimir chose to wear simple clothing instead of fine garments because he believed in this Christian virtue.

Humility

400

The Mardi Gras season officially begins on this feast day, which celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

Epiphany

400

When receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday, the priest or minister may say one of two traditional phrases, one of which is, "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." The other reminds people to do this.

"Repent and believe in the Gospel"

400

Felicity was a servant and was imprisoned with Perpetua while pregnant. She gave birth just days before their execution, making her one of the patron saints of this group of people.

Expectant mothers

400

Saint John of God changed his life after hearing a sermon by this famous preacher, with whom he shared a given name.  He wasn't really from Avila though.

Saint John of Avila

500

The feast day of Saint Casimir, celebrated on March 4th, is particularly honored in this European country, where he is a national patron.

Lithuania

500

The word carnival comes from the Latin carne vale, which translates to "Farewell to" this, referencing the fasting that begins in Lent.

Meat

500

Of all of the holly days of obligation, this day's Masses are the most attended.

Christmas

500

Saints Perpetua and Felicity, along with their companions, were ultimately killed by wild animals and soldiers in this type of public entertainment venue.

Amphitheater

500

This common cause of death among saints also befell John of God, as he died from exhaustion after rescuing people from a burning hospital.

Overwork