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Living Liturgically - September Resources

- In Focus this Month
  
  Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - September 8
  Feast of the Exhaltation of the Cross - September 14
  Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows - September 15
  Evening of Confession - September 18
  Memorial of Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, Priest - September 23
  Feast Day of San Lorenzo Ruiz, first Filipino Saint - September 23
  Feast of St. Vincent de Paul - September 27
  Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, & Raphael, Archangels - Sept. 29
- September Resources
  
  Evening of Confession - September 18
  
  Family Day 2024 : “It Is Good That We Are Here”
Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- On September 8th, the Church observes the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorating her birth as a pivotal moment in the history of redemption. Mary's purpose was to become the mother of the world's Savior, the spiritual mother of all people, and the holiest of God's creations. Endowed with infinite merits through her Son, she was immaculately conceived and born full of grace, without sin. As the Queen of heaven and earth, she channels grace to mankind. Mary's birth represents the dawn of redemption and a unique role in salvation history. The title "Cause of our joy" underscores her significance as the Mother of God and a source of happiness. Traditionally, this day marks the end of summer and start of fall, leading to various thanksgiving celebrations. For instance, in France, it's "Our Lady of the Grape Harvest," while in the Austrian Alps, it's "Drive-Down Day," when livestock is brought from pastures to valleys.
- Live liturgically with us by:
  Praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.
  Planning a Mary garden, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. Start by planting flowers that are associated with the Blessed Virgin with an image, or statue, at the center of the garden. Use this space for prayer. Learn more about this practive via Catholic News Agency.
  Attending mass.
  Singing Marian hymns with family and friends.
  Baking blueberry muffins.
  Particularly for children, hosting a birthday party for Mary.
Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross
- Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, converted to Christianity after his victory over Maxentius. She journeyed to the Holy Land in 326, erecting churches on sacred sites and engaging in acts of piety and charity. Her most notable achievement was discovering the True Cross during the excavation of Christ's crucifixion site. Helena's devoutness and philanthropy supported the spread of Christianity. She died around 330, laid to rest in Rome and later moved to France. Helena's legacy is defined by her faith, charity, and role in early Christianity's propagation. She is often depicted with the cross, symbolizing her discovery of the True Cross. The Feast of the Cross had its origins in Jerusalem, where the dedication of churches built on holy sites was celebrated with great solemnity on September 13th and 14th. This feast eventually spread to Constantinople and Rome. The adoration of the Cross evolved into specific rituals. Accounts around 380 AD describe how the faithful gathered to venerate the Cross on Good Friday in Jerusalem. Relics of the True Cross were distributed worldwide, and the Council of Nicaea in 787 clarified the proper veneration of images and relics. Early Christians, such as St. Radegunda and St. Gregory I, possessed fragments of the True Cross, and various relics were enclosed in altars. Feasts celebrating the Cross emerged, with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross in Rome being established around the seventh century.
  
  Celebrate the feast by doing the following:
  Lighting a candle in prayer to end injustice and the suffering of others.
  Learn about the feast by following the links bellow:
  Teaching Catholic Kids
  Loyola Press
  EWTN
  Pray the Stations of the Cross.
  Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.
  Attend Mass.
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
- The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which traces its origins to the 12th century, holds a deep significance in Catholic tradition. Initially known as "Our Lady of Compassion," the feast was incorporated into the Missal in 1482. Pope Benedict XIII later added it to the Roman Calendar in 1727, designating it to be observed on the Friday preceding Palm Sunday. Subsequently, in 1913, Pope Pius X fixed the date of the feast to September 15th. The title "Our Lady of Sorrows" signifies Mary's profound anguish during the passion and death of Christ. Mary's intense suffering underscores the gravity of sin and exemplifies the path to genuine repentance. The imagery of the feast revolves around the swords that symbolically pierced Mary's Heart, known as "The Seven Dolors." This term, popular in the 17th century, alludes to the seven sorrows Mary endured. These sorrows are often associated with her presence at the crucifixion, where the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled, piercing her soul like a sword. Early Church writers, such as Saint Ambrose, viewed Mary as a resolute and sorrowful presence at the Crucifixion. Amidst the flight of others, Mary fearlessly stood by the cross, gazing upon her Son's wounds with compassion and recognizing their role in humanity's salvation. Mary's unwavering stance and self-offering in the face of persecution depict her as a powerful yet sorrowful figure. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows serves as a poignant reminder of Mary's role in the redemptive narrative and her deep empathy for her Son's suffering.
  
  Celebrate the feast by living liturgically by:
  
  Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary.
  
  Learn more about Our Lady of Sorrows by using the following links:
  
  Teaching Catholic Kids: the 7 Sorrows of Mary
  
  New Advent - The Seven Sorrows of Mary
  
  My Catholic Life
  
  Attend Mass
Archdiocesan-wide Evening of Confession
September 18, 2023
- Memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina
  
  Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, better known as Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, was an Italian priest renowned for his piety, charity, and the mysterious phenomenon of the stigmata, wounds resembling those of Christ on his hands and feet. He entered the Capuchin Order after overcoming obstacles related to his education. Taking on the name Friar Pio, he embodied the ideals of poverty and simplicity. He became a priest in 1910, but World War I interrupted his ministry. He served in the Italian Medical Corps, battling chronic health issues. After the war, he settled in the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo, where he taught and prayed alongside the locals. It was during this time that he began to exhibit the stigmata, a phenomenon that perplexed medical experts. Despite skepticism and scrutiny, Padre Pio's stigmata persisted for five decades, with bleeding wounds. He suffered the visible wounds of Christ's crucifixion, and he welcomed the pain as a sacrifice for humanity. He established the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a hospital focused on relieving suffering, and he is credited with performing numerous miracles during his lifetime. Throughout his life, he attracted pilgrims seeking his blessings and miraculous manifestations. Padre Pio passed away on September 23, 1968. Following his death, the process of canonization began, and he was officially declared a saint on June 16, 2002, by Pope John Paul II. His life was marked by deep devotion to God, fervent prayer, self-sacrifice, and unwavering service to others. Known as the patron saint of Civil defense volunteers, Adolescents, Pietrelcina, Stress relief, and January blues.
  
  Celebrate the feast by doing the following:
  
  Attend mass.
  
  Learn more about the Capuchins and Padre Pio foundations:
  
  saintpiofoundation.org
  
  padrepio.com
  
  Donate to a hospital or visit the elderly.
  
  Learn more about Padre Pio’s Spiritualism and Mysticism.
  
  Reflect and pray with the family.
- San Lorenzo Ruiz - September 23
  
  San Lorenzo Ruiz was canonized by St. Pope John Paul II in 1987. He was martyred in the city of Nagasaki, Japan with other missionary companions, after two years of incarceration and torture. According to accounts sent back to the Philippines, San Lorenzo declared these words upon his death: "I am a Catholic and wholeheartedly do accept death for God; had I a thousand lives, all these to Him shall I offer."
  San Lorenzo Ruiz is the patron saint of, among others, the Philippines and the Filipino people.
  
  Live liturgically with us by:
  Pray and reflect on our Baptismal call to live our Catholic faith in the public square even in the face of persecution.
  Pray for our Christian sisters and brothers around the world facing persecution, violence, and even death for their faith.
Feast of St. Vincent de Paul
- St. Vincent de Paul, a humble and compassionate priest, lived in 17th-century France. Born into poverty in 1581, he overcame personal challenges and adversities to become a beacon of charity and service. Captured by pirates and sold into slavery as a young man, he managed to convert his owner and escape. Upon returning to France, he devoted his life to helping the poor, sick, and oppressed. Vincent founded the Congregation of the Mission (Lazarists) to preach and serve in rural communities, bringing the message of God's love to those who were often overlooked. Alongside St. Louise de Marillac, he established the Daughters of Charity, a religious community dedicated to caring for the needy and marginalized. Vincent's initiatives included hospitals, orphanages, and assistance for galley slaves, whom he personally cared for and advocated on behalf of. Throughout his life, Vincent displayed humility, patience, and a deep commitment to serving others. He advocated for the rights and well-being of the oppressed, such as galley slaves, and played a crucial role in revitalizing the priesthood. Vincent's spiritual journey and dedication to charity earned him sainthood. St. Vincent de Paul's legacy lives on through the religious orders he founded and the ongoing work of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which continues to provide assistance to those in need around the world. He is remembered for his unwavering faith, his compassion for the less fortunate, and his contributions to the renewal of the Church during a challenging period.
  Known as the patron saint of charities; horses; hospitals; leprosy; lost articles; Madagascar; prisoners; Richmond, Virginia; spiritual help; Saint Vincent de Paul Societies; Vincentian Service Corps; volunteers.
  
  Live Liturgically with us by :
  
  Volunteering at a a local soup kitchen or food bank such as Ozanam Inn or the St. Joseph Rebuild Center.
  
  Making a donation to a homeless shelter or food pantry.
  
  Reflect and pray with your family and friends giving thanks for God's gifts in your life and praying for those less fortunate.
  
  Attend mass
  
  Learn more about the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Religious Orders:
  
  Society of St. Vincent de Paul
  
  Daughters of Charity
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, & Raphael, Archangels
- St. Michael
  
  The Archangel Michael's name means "Who is like God?" and reflects his role as a warrior Angel, defending against both spiritual and earthly adversaries. Michael's role as the defender of the Church is prominent, having fought against Satan and his forces throughout history. He's often associated with the "Angel of the Lord" in the Old Testament, who acted as God's legate to the Israelites, guiding and protecting them. Michael's appearances and interventions have been reported over the centuries, with notable instances at Mount Gargano and the Michaelion shrine near Constantinople. In liturgical practices, Michael is invoked for protection and is seen as leading departed souls to heaven. The well-known prayer to St. Michael is a condensed form of Pope Leo XIII's exorcism against evil spirits. While St. Michael isn't a human saint, he holds a special place as a powerful angelic leader and protector of humanity. His responsibilities include combating Satan, guiding souls to heaven, defending Christians and the Church, and calling people to judgment. While Scripture provides limited information about him, his significance remains strong in Christian devotion, symbolizing divine protection and the battle against evil.
  
  Michael is the patron saint of grocers, soldiers, doctors, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness.
- St. Gabriel
  
  The Archangel Gabriel, whose name signifies "Man of God" or "Strength of God," is a prominent figure in both the Old and New Testaments. His missions and manifestations are closely tied to the coming of the Messiah. One of his notable prophecies is found in the book of Daniel, accurately predicting the timing of Christ's arrival, interpreting his visions. . Gabriel's most notable task is conveying the news of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary. With grace and wisdom, he reassures Mary, explaining that the Holy Spirit will bring about her pregnancy without violating her vow of virginity. Mary's humble consent marks a pivotal moment in human redemption, and Gabriel departs to share the news with the other angels. He later visits Zacharias to announce the birth of John the Baptist and Mary to announce the birth of Jesus. Gabriel's involvement continues after Christ's birth. He likely informs the shepherds about Jesus' arrival, and he strengthens Christ during the agony in the garden. Gabriel also announces the Resurrection and may have future roles, including heralding Christ's second coming. His attributes include being depicted with a lily, trumpet, lantern, and more. He's associated with the Annunciation scene, often holding a trumpet symbolizing the Lord's return.
  
  Gabriel is the patron saint of messengers, telecommunication workers, and postal workers.
- St. Raphael
  
  The Archangel Raphael, whose name means "God heals," is one of the seven Archangels who stand before the Lord. His identity is most prominently mentioned in the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament. In this story, Raphael appears in the form of a human named Azarias and accompanies Tobias, the son of Tobit, on a journey. Throughout the story, Raphael's healing powers become evident. He assists Tobiah in safely entering into marriage with Sarah, who had previously been afflicted by the demon. Raphael's guidance and intervention result in the healing of Tobit's blindness and the restoration of his sight. The narrative emphasizes the harmony between the heavenly and earthly realms, where Raphael's interventions bring about blessings and healing. His role as a healer, guide, and protector resonates with the significance of his name, reflecting God's healing and benevolent presence in the lives of those he assists. While Raphael's name is not mentioned in the New Testament, there is a reference in the Gospel of John to an angel who stirs the waters at the pool of Bethesda, known for its healing properties. This angel's actions bear similarities to the healing role attributed to Raphael in the Book of Tobit.
  
  Raphael is the patron saint of travelers, the blind, and bodily ills, happy meetings, nurses, physicians and medical workers.
- Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
- O Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee, do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.
- O Raphael, lead us towards those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us! Raphael, Angel of happy meetings, lead us by the hand towards those we are looking for! May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your light and transfigured by your Joy.
  
  Angel guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whose unveiled face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country.
  
  Remember the weak, you who are strong--you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene, and bright with the resplendent glory of God.
  Amen.