SEPTEMBER
September--Our buildings
need to be winterized. Now is the time to think of energy conservation
measures, adding caulking and painting, completing needed repairs, composting
yard wastes, and protecting garden plants for late fall and winter. Do we
regard our abodes as God's dwelling space, a sacred trust and healthy place? Do
we cherish the abundance of space and use it properly as good stewards?
The
month of September is dedicated to Our
Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates
on September 15. September falls during the liturgical season known as Ordinary Time, which
is represented by the liturgical color green. During September, as in all of
Ordinary Time (formerly known as Time
After Pentecost), the Liturgy does not focus on one particular
mystery of Christ but views the mystery of Christ in all its aspects. We follow
the life of Christ through the Gospels and focus on the teachings and parables
of Jesus and what it means for us to be a follower of Christ. During Ordinary
Time we can concentrate more on the saints and imitate their holiness as
Christ's followers.
September
Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows[2]
Daily Prayers for September
At Morning
O most holy Virgin, Mother of our
Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed
the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and the death of your divine Son, look upon me
with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for
those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that,
being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I
may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that henceforward all my thoughts and
all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object. Honor,
glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and to the holy and immaculate Mother
of God. Amen. --Saint Bonaventure
At
Noon
Mary, most holy Virgin and Queen of
Martyrs, accept the sincere homage of my filial affection. Into thy heart,
pierced by so many swords, do thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as the
companion of thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for the
redemption of the world. With thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly suffer
all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall please our Lord
to send me. I offer them all to thee in memory of thy sorrows, so that every
thought of my mind, and every beat of my heart may be an act of compassion and
of love for thee. And do thou, sweet Mother, have pity on me, reconcile me to
thy divine Son Jesus, keep me in His grace, and assist me in my last agony, so
that I may be able to meet thee in heaven and sing thy glories. Amen.
At
3PM
Most holy Virgin. and Mother, whose
soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the Passion of thy divine Son, and who
in His glorious Resurrection wast filled with never-ending joy at His triumph;
obtain for us who call upon thee, so to be partakers in the adversities of Holy
Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be found worthy to
rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray, in the charity and
peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At
Twilight
O most holy and afflicted Virgin!
Queen of Martyrs! thou who didst stand motionless beneath the Cross, witnessing
the agony of thy expiring Son--through the unceasing sufferings of thy life of
sorrow, and the bliss which now more than amply repays thee for thy past
trials, look down with a mother's tenderness and pity on me, who kneel before
thee to venerate thy dolors, and place my requests, with filial confidence, in
the sanctuary of thy wounded heart; present them, I beseech thee, on my behalf,
to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred death and passion,
together with thy sufferings at the foot of the cross, and through the united
efficacy of both obtain the grant of my present petition. To whom shall I
resort in my wants and miseries if not to thee, O Mother of Mercy, who, having
so deeply drunk of the chalice of thy Son, canst compassionate the woes of
those who still sigh in the land of exile? Offer for me to my Savior one drop
of the Blood which flowed from His sacred veins, one of the tears which
trickled from His divine eyes, one of the sighs which rent His adorable Heart.
O refuge of the universe and hope of the whole world, do not reject my humble
prayer, but graciously obtain the grant of my petition.
At
Slumber
Mary
most sorrowful, Mother of Christians, pray for us. Virgin most sorrowful, pray
for us.
September
is Harvest Time
Since
man is both a spiritual and physical being, the Church provides for the needs
of man in his everyday life. The Church's liturgy and feasts in many areas
reflect the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, fall and winter). The
months of August, September, October and November are part of the harvest
season, and as Christians we recall God's constant protection over his people
and give thanksgiving for the year's harvest. The September Ember Days were
particularly focused on the end of the harvest season and thanksgiving to God
for the season. Ember Days were three days (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) set
aside by the Church for prayer, fasting and almsgiving at the beginning of each
of the four seasons of the year. The ember days fell after December 13, the
feast of St. Lucy (winter), after the First Sunday of Lent (spring), after
Pentecost Sunday (summer), and after September 14, the feast of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross (fall). These weeks were known as the quattor tempora,
the "four seasons." Since the late 5th century, the Ember Days were
also the preferred dates for ordination of priests. So during these times the
Church had a threefold focus: (1) sanctifying each new season by turning to God
through prayer, fasting and almsgiving; (2) giving thanks to God for the
various harvests of each season; and (3) praying for the newly ordained and for
future vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Since the reorganization
of the Roman calendar in 1969 after the Second Vatican Council, Ember Days are
still retained in principle, but how and when they are to be observed is at the
discretion of each country's Episcopal Conference. There is no longer set Mass
readings for the Ember Days in the Ordinary Rite. Another harvest feast is
September 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Before
the revision of the calendar, this used to be only the feast of St. Michael. In
many countries this day was referred to as "Michaelmas" and is
celebrated with traditional foods and customs.
The
month of Angels
The
church traditionally honors angels during the month of September. Paul in
Colossians states of Christ, “He is the
image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in him were
created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were
created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things
hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the
firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For
in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all
things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether
those on earth or those in heaven.” “St. Michael and the Angels” is a
beautiful and inspiring book telling all about the angels. Filled with stories
from the lives and writings of the saints, it tells of the role which the good
angels play in the divine economy of saving souls. Led by St. Michael, the
Prince of the heavenly host, the angels act as our guardians, serve as
messengers from God to us and from us to God, surround the altar during Mass,
and bear the graces of the Mass like incense to the altar of God on high. Here
is explained the relationship of the angels to the Blessed Virgin Mary and how,
if she is to send them to our aid, we must request her to do so. Included too
is the prayer to our guardian angel asking him to go in our place to attend
Mass when we cannot, plus the way the good angels protect us against the evil
spirits. The book also discusses in detail the pre-eminent role of St. Michael
as "Champion of the Church," "Defender of Christians,"
"Guardian of Purgatory," and "Helper of the Sick and
Dying."
It is also a good practice to ask for angelic help throughout our
day. There are nine choirs of angels and three hierarchies three within three.
Remember to ask their assistance about every two hours throughout your
day
Upon rising (7 am) address the first
choir of angels, the Seraphim. Their chief characteristic is great and ardent
love. They were made for one thing alone-----to love the God of Love. Without
ceasing they honor, praise, and love the most Blessed Trinity-----they can do
nothing else-----this is their happiness. Practice upon rising to try to become
a Seraph of love: let this be your habitual disposition. Love and do what God
wills. Ask this great gift feverently. Aspiration: "Oh! Blessed Seraphim!
Make us love." Say the Shema Yisrael.
At the fourth hour (11
am) of
the day address the third choir is the choir of Thrones. They are
called Angels of Peace; calm, tranquility, and stability. Ask them for
that peace of soul which is the fruit of a good conscience. Invoke their aid
for such as are prone to hatred, passion and impatience; and after their
example, practice being meek, calm, and peaceful with all. Practice: Dispose
yourself to great sweetness and patience. Aspiration: "O Holy
Thrones!
Obtain that Divine peace, which surpasses all understanding, may keep our
hearts and minds in Jesus Christ, Our Lord."
At the sixth hour (1
pm) of
the day address the fourth choir
of angels which is the choir of Dominations. They are consumed by their
yearning for the interests of God: their principal office is to manifest His
will. We should also beg of God to manifest His will to us by these Blessed
"Intelligences" and then take care to fulfill it scrupulously, as
being the shortest way to perfection and sanctity. We should ask these Angels
to help us to spread God's kingdom upon earth, for the conversion of heretics
and infidels, and for the return of lukewarm and fallen away Catholics to the
practice of the faith. Practice: Give practical proof of your zeal for the
glory of God; do something for His reign in souls, as instructing the ignorant.
Aspiration: "Holy Dominations! Animate us with thy zeal."
At the eighth hour (3
pm) of
the day address the fifth choir
of angels which is the choir of Principalities. The Principalities watch over
Empires, Provinces, and Dioceses. Purity of intention is the virtue
ascribed to them, for in their high functions they never seek but the honor and
interest of God alone. Let us imitate them. It is the intention which stamps
the action with merit or demerit. Practice: In all you do and say, seek the
greater glory of God. Aspiration: "O Holy Spirits! May we, like
thee, seek God, for God alone." Now would be a good time to also pray a divine mercy prayer
At the 10th hour (5 pm) of the day address the
sixth choir of angels the Powers.
These Angels have unlimited mastery over the wicked Spirits; they are endowed
with great intelligence and are able to discover their schemes and plans for
our destruction. Their power is so incredible that one alone of them would be
able to destroy the entire infernal host. It is well to invoke them in
temptation: but to merit their assistance we must take care to avoid the occasions of sin. Practice: Resist the
attacks of vice and passion; frequently make acts of diffidence in self and
confidence in God; combat your evil inclinations. Aspiration: "Lord! Send
Thy Angels to assist us."
At the 12th hour (7 pm) of the day address the
seventh choir of angels the Virtues. Energy and strength are attributed to
the Virtues. They have dominion over the elements; all nature is subjected to
their control. Hence, they can raise or appease the tempest. We may profitably
invoke them in unforeseen accidents, sickness, etc. We may also have recourse
to them for that strength necessary to lead a penitential life and root out the
inclinations of depraved nature. All persons inclined to the contemplative life
should call on this choir of Angels for help, for good thoughts alone do not
make holy, one needs also strength to persevere and to accomplish this great
task. Practice: Visit the Blessed Sacrament to obtain grace to overcome your
evil dispositions. Aspiration: "Holy Virtues! Strengthen and fortify
us."
At the 14th hour (9
pm) of the day address the eighth choir of angels the Archangels. The
Archangels are distinguished from the Angels by the greater importance of their
functions: the Guardians of those invested with authority in the Church and
State and are remarkable for their love and care of men. Let us imitate them,
doing our neighbor all the good we can and invoking in his behalf these Blessed
Spirits. Members of this choir are the holy spirits who stand before the throne
of God, ever ready to announce His commands. St. Michael is the warrior leader
of God’s angels. St. Gabriel is the special messenger of The Holy Spirit. St.
Raphael is the angel of Joy. Practice-----Two Acts of Charity, with great
affection. Aspiration: "Holy Archangels! Pray for us, and for our
priests."
At the 16th hour (11
pm) of
the day address the Ninth choir of the angels. They are charged with the
execution of the Divine ordinances and are appointed the Guardians of men.
Humility is the virtue particularly ascribed to them-----for though the
least among the Choirs, yet they see their celestial companions without
desiring their greater, more excellent endowments. The Guardian Angels exercise
continual watchfulness over the souls committed to their care. Their number is
exceedingly great, and it is not necessary when an Angel has accompanied his
charge into Heaven, that he be again assigned to a soul in any future
generation. Our Guardian, who is our companion in life, will also be forever at
our side in Heaven. The joy of these Angels is immeasurably increased when
souls entrusted to their care enter Heaven. The Guardian Angels of the lost
souls are not deprived of their share of joy. God in His justice increases also
theirs with the others, and then assigns them to the special guard of the Queen
of Angels, where they with great joy praise the Infinite Justice of God. Let
us, like the humble Guardian Angels, love the lowest place, especially when
placed therein by Divine Providence, and to behold with joy the preference
given to others. Practice: Three Acts of Humility, interior and exterior.
Aspiration: "Who is like God!"
Information was
obtained from: http://www.catholictradition.org/Angels/angels.htm
The
Church has always practiced and encouraged devotion to the holy angels. All
ancient liturgies make mentions of them and the protection they provide to men.
It is their greatest desire to aid us in all our acts of religion by uniting
their supplications to ours. We should honor and love angels as well as our
fellow mankind for it is though the Precious Blood of Christ we are all united.
Christ is the head of angels as well as men, and it is as Man that He is Head
of the angels. To honor them and love them we must first know them and earnestly
strive to cultivate their friendship.
SEPTEMBER 1 First Saturday
John 20, Verse 19
On the evening of that first day of the
week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the
Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
The
doors were lock they were afraid, very afraid; they had no peace.
How could one explain the
transformation in Jesus’ followers? One day they are cowering in fear,
hiding themselves from the public, the next they are all boldly proclaiming
that Jesus is alive! What happened?
At his arrest, all of his
disciples fled away and were scared for their lives: Mark 14:50 “Then everyone
deserted him and fled.” Matt 26:56 “Then all the disciples deserted him and
fled.” The day of Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were still hiding for fear
of the Jews. Jesus’ disciples were clearly cowards and were trying to preserve
their lives. However, look what happens a few weeks later: Acts 4:31, 33 “After
they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly…With great power
the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” They
all of a sudden were not scared for their lives any longer and risked
imprisonment, persecution and certain death for testifying about the risen
Saviour.
Eleven of the twelve apostles
died a martyr’s death! Look at the way the following followers of Jesus died:
Andrew
was crucified.
Bartholomew
was crucified.
James,
brother of Jesus was stoned.
James,
son of Alphaeus was crucified.
James,
son of Zebedee was killed by the sword.
John
died naturally.
Matthew
was crucified.
Peter
was crucified upside down.
Philip
was crucified.
Simon
was crucified.
Thaddeus
was killed by arrows.
Thomas
died of a spear thrust.
Who in their right mind would
die for a lie? Maybe if that person was a lunatic. But how can one
explain a group of people being willing to die for a lie? This is just
impossible. What compelled these disciples to preach the message of a
risen Saviour is the fact that they had witnessed with their own eyes that
Jesus had been risen indeed! Their changed lives provide a solid testimony that
Jesus is alive! BE AT PEACE
Today
if you have time today would be a good day to read Saint John Paul II’s
encyclical letter-“Rich in Mercy”.[5]
Behold, the eye of
the LORD is upon those who fear him, upon those who count on his mercy, to
deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive through famine.
1.
Confession: This confession can be made before the
First Saturday or afterward, provided that Holy Communion be received in the
state of grace. In 1926, Christ in a vision explained to Lucia (Fatima) that
this confession could be made a week before or even more, and that it should be
offered in reparation.
2.
Holy Communion: Before receiving Holy Communion, it is
likewise necessary to offer it in reparation to Our Lady. Our Lord told Lucia
in 1930, “This Communion will be accepted on the following Sunday for just
reasons, if my priests allow it so.” So if work or school, sickness, or another just reason prevents
the Communion on a First Saturday, with this permission it may be received the
following Sunday. If Communion is transferred, any or all of the other acts of
the devotion may also be performed on Sunday if the person so desires.
3.
Rosary: The Rosary is a vocal prayer said while
meditating upon the mysteries of Our Lord’s life and Passion
and Our Lady’s life. To comply with the request of our Blessed Mother, it must
be offered in reparation and said properly while meditating.
4.
15-minute meditation: Also offered in
reparation, the meditation may embrace one or more mysteries; it may include
all, taken together or separately. This meditation should be the richest of any
meditation, because Our Lady promised to be present when she said “...those who
keep me company....”
Selichot (Hebrew: סליחות) means 'sorry/forgiveness prayers'. Selichot are recited from the Sunday before the Jewish New Year until the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Selichot are aimed for both the individual and communities to atone their sins between man and God. They are intended for Jews to reflect on their actions of the past year and to refrain from committing the same sins in the next New Year.
Selichot Facts
· For many
Orthodox Jews, Selichot prayers are added to the daily cycle of religious
services. Selichot are recited before normal daily shacharit (morning
prayers) service. They add about 45 minutes to the regular daily service
in a typical service.
· A fundamental
part of selichot service is the repeated recitation of the Thirteen Attributes,
a list of God's thirteen attributes of mercy that were revealed to Moses after
the sin of the golden calf (Ex 34:6-7): Ha-shem [1], Ha-shem [2], God [3],
merciful [4], and gracious [5], long-suffering [6], abundant in goodness [7]
and truth [8], keeping mercy unto the thousandth generation [9], forgiving
iniquity [10] and transgression [11] and sin [12], who cleanses [13].
· This is the
season to begin the process of asking forgiveness for wrongs done to other
people. According to Jewish tradition, God cannot forgive us for sins
committed against another person until we have first obtained forgiveness from
the person we have wronged.
· Many of the
Selichot prayers are in the form of a main Selichah (forgiveness) prayer and a
Pizmon (chorus), which is repeated after each changing Selichah prayer. Some of
these Selichot have cantorial music for the Selichah and a repeating tune for
the chorus.
Selichot Top Events and Things to Do
· Consider your
position in life and ask God for forgiveness. Use this time to reset your daily
habits and think how to change them to the better.
· Use this period
of time to forgive others and as well as ask others for forgiveness. This is
often most difficult to do between life partners, parents and children.
· Many people
visit cemeteries at this time, because the awe-inspiring nature of this time
makes us reflect on our own life, death, and mortality. Consider visiting the
graves of your ancestors, soldiers, or anyone who may have made a positive
impact on society.
· Attend to a Selichot
prayer ceremony or watch one on YouTube. A popular Selichot rendition is
by Yitzchak Meir Helfgot.
Be
unafraid, confident in God, and focus on receiving these promises for a month
and see what happens!
1. “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you,
and you shall glorify me.”
-Ps 50:15
-Ps 50:15
"Read
these counsels slowly. Pause to meditate on these thoughts. They are things
that I whisper in your ear-confiding them-as a friend, as a brother, as a
father. And they are being heard by God. I won't tell you anything new. I will
only stir your memory, so that some thought will arise and strike you; and so
you will better your life and set out along ways of prayer and of Love. And in
the end you will be a more worthy soul."
55. It shows very little refinement — and great lack of respect — to
make fun of a Priest, whoever he is, and whatever the pretext!
·
Please
Pray for soul of Senator
McCain and his family and for the unity of our country; asking Our Lady of Beauraing to
intercede.
[3]
St. Michael and the Angels, Tan Books, 1983.
[9]http://www.escrivaworks.org/book/the_way-point-1.htm
