Celebrations For September

(Plain Text Version)

September 8: The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary – We always remember the birthdays of our loved ones.  Mary is the New Eve, whose obedience has enabled us to have eternal life.  Therefore, she is our mother in the best sense of the word.

September 9: St. Peter Claver (1580-1654) – As a member of the Society of Jesus, Peter Claver was sent from his native Spain to Columbia.  He spent the rest of his life there, ministering to the physical and spiritual needs of the African slaves.

September 13: St. John Chrysostom – John was born around 347 AD.  He is considered by many to be the best preacher in the history of the Church.  Many of his sermons were written down and continue to inspire us to love God and neighbor.

September 14: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross – We take this day to remember that the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross is the event which permanently changed the course of human history.  This feast is also called the Triumph of the Cross because it was Christ’s death on the Cross which defeated the Devil and opened the gates of Heaven to us.

September 15: Our Lady of Sorrows – We know that the mother of Jesus was present at His crucifixion.  She had the sorrow which any mother would have.  However, her sorrow was also for the countless sins which offended her Son. 

September 20: St. Andrew Kim Taegon – Andrew was born in Korea in 1871.   He was the first Korean to be ordained to the priesthood.  After a brief time of ministry, he was accused of treason and executed, along with other Catholics.

September 23: St. Pius of Pietrelcina – Better known as “Padre Pio”, St. Pius was a Franciscan Friar who died in 1968.  He was blessed to be in an intimate relationship with the Crucified Christ.  He suffered greatly, but also obtained many miracles from God.  He received the wounds of Christ on his hands and feet for 50 years.

September 29: Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael –   Although most of the work of the angels is unseen to us, these three angels played major roles in the history of Salvation. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the only three angels mentioned by name in the Bible.

September 30: St. Jerome – Jerome lived in the Fourth Century AD.  He withdrew from society to pray and study.  He translated the entire Bible from the original languages into Latin, so it could be understood throughout the world.