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?
Overview of September[1]
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. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.
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.
September is the end of the
summer season and the start of the fall season
Explanation of Ember Days—Three days set apart for fasting,
abstinence, and prayer during each of the four seasons of the year. They were
the Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after St. Lucy (or Lucia, d. 304) (December
13), the First Sunday of Lent, Pentecost, and the feast of the Holy Cross
(September 14). Since the revision of the Roman calendar in 1969, Ember Days
are to be observed at the discretion of the National Conference of Bishops.
Moreover, their observance may be extended beyond three days and even repeated
during the year. Possibly occasioned by the agricultural feasts of ancient
Rome, they came to be observed by Christians for the sanctification of the
different seasons of the year, and for obtaining God's blessing on the clergy
to be ordained during the Embertides. (Etym. Anglo-Saxon oemerge,
ashes.) — Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, SJ, Doubleday, 1980.
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
September is the time to
reflect on the Sorrows of Mary
September Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows.[2] Since the 16th century Catholic piety
has assigned entire months to special devotions. Due to her feast day on
September 15, the month of September has traditionally been set aside to honor
Our Lady of Sorrows. All the sorrows of Mary (the prophecy of Simeon, the three
days' loss, etc.) are merged in the supreme suffering at the Passion. In the
Passion, Mary suffered a martyrdom of the heart because of Our Lord's torments
and the greatness of her love for Him. "She it was," says Pope Pius
XII, "who immune from all sin, personal or inherited, and ever more
closely united with her Son, offered Him on Golgotha to the Eternal Father
together with the holocaust of her maternal rights and motherly love. As a new
Eve, she made this offering for all the children of Adam contaminated through
his unhappy fall. Thus she, who was the mother of our Head according to the
flesh, became by a new title of sorrow and glory the spiritual mother of all
His members."
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 the month dedicated to
contemplation of the Angels
Devotion to
the Angels is a mark of Predestination[3]
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 is the month of Angels and Mary is the Queen 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
September
Travel and Events
Belgian Beer Weekend September 2-4. The drinking fun doesn’t end in Budapest! Head
to Belgium for Belgian Beer Weekend. Held at Brussel’s Grand Place square, this
annual celebration in early September showcases Belgian brews from more than 30
small and big breweries.
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance
(Hong Kong) September 9-11. Top off Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations
with the Tai Hang fire dragon dance. This 3-day-long event, held during the
Mid-Autumn Festival, carries on a tradition that’s more than 100 years old. In
the Hong Kong community of Tai Hang, some 300 performers take to the streets,
dancing, waving incense sticks and animating a 220-foot-long dragon.
Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Call it an
excuse to party: Come Sept. 10, 2022, the 3-day Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
begins. In mainland China, the annual festival is the second biggest holiday of
the year (right behind the country’s spring festival). Experience Mid-Autumn
fun yourself at Chicago’s Moon Festival.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, KY) September 16-18.
Spirits lovers will want to head to Bardstown, KY -- the bourbon capital of the
world since 1776. Every September, the small city hosts the weeklong Kentucky
Bourbon Festival, which showcases more than 30 bourbon-related happenings,
including the chance to sample the many different flavors of bourbon and
whiskey, each sure to give you a nice kick in the gut.
Constitution Day Celebrate
Constitution Day and the anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution with
a trip to Washington, DC, on September 17. The National Archives has the
original Constitution on display in the Rotunda, along with the Bill of Rights
and Declaration of Independence. Make the most out of your trip to DC and pay a
visit to the Smithsonian museums and
monuments along the National Mall.
Oktoberfest September 17-Oct. 3. Raise a stein
to Oktoberfest. This annual, 16-day celebration of all thing’s
beer kicks off in late September in Munich. Can’t make it to Germany? Bring
your taste for brewski to these US Oktoberfest events.
Texas State Fair (Dallas) September 30-Oct 23 “Our state fair is a great state fair.” How can it not be when it’s in Texas? Beginning the last Friday in September, the annual Texas State Fair unfolds over 24 days in Dallas, TX, with plenty of fun for the whole family, including the chance to ride this Ferris wheel – the largest in North America.
Iceman’s Calendar
·
September 2nd MASS First
Friday
·
September 3rd MASS First
Saturday
·
September 4th Thirteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 5th Labor
Day
·
September 7th MASS First
Wednesday
·
September 8th Nativity
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
·
September 10th Full
Harvest Moon
·
September 11th Fourteen
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 14th Feast
of the Holy Cross
·
September 15th Our
Lady of Sorrows
·
September 18th Fifteen
Sunday after Pentecost
·
September 21st Feast
of St. Matthew
·
September 22nd fall
begins
· September
23rd Ember
Friday
· September
24th Ember
Saturday
· September
25th Sixteenth
Sunday after Pentecost
o
Rosh
Hashanah begins at Sunset
·
September 29th Feast
of St. Michael the Archangel
SEPTEMBER 1 Thursday
They hoisted it aboard, then used
cables to undergird the ship. Because of their fear that they would run
aground on the shoal of Syrtis, they lowered the drift anchor and were carried
along in this way.
Seamen of Paul’s time often to save a ship in heavy seas would pass a cable several times under and around a ship and tightening it on deck, to prevent the working and parting of the timbers and planks in a gale. Additionally to prevent the ship from getting stuck in the quicksand of the shoal of Syrtis the seamen lowered the drift anchor.
The church is our boat using a metaphor and with the current world situation with the persecution of Christians, not only in the Middle East, but throughout the world; to which could be added the storms given the church by secularists and atheists; our church is definitely being assaulted by an evil Northeasterner. We need to pass the cables around our church and put out the drift anchor to keep from being lost.
The cables that bind our church are the seven sacraments. We need to use them all. If single, consider Holy Orders; if parents encourage your children in seeking vocations; get married, if you are living with another, and be open to children; go to confession and mass; baptize your children and be confirmed by the priests; seek healing of your body and soul when seriously ill.
Let your prayers be your drift anchor.
Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one
thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin?
Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is
the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He
enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of
God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for
"The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as
we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."[4]
Catechism
of the Catholic Church
PART TWO: THE CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY
SECTION TWO-THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
V. Viaticum,
the Last Sacrament of the Christian
1524 In
addition to the Anointing of the Sick, the Church offers those who are about to
leave this life the Eucharist as viaticum. Communion in the body and blood of
Christ, received at this moment of "passing over" to the Father, has
a particular significance and importance. It is the seed of eternal life and
the power of resurrection, according to the words of the Lord: "He who
eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at
the last day." The sacrament of Christ once dead and now risen, the
Eucharist is here the sacrament of passing over from death to life, from this
world to the Father.
1525 Thus,
just as the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist form a unity
called "the sacraments of Christian initiation," so too it can be
said that Penance, the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as viaticum
constitute at the end of Christian life "the sacraments that prepare for
our heavenly homeland" or the sacraments that complete the earthly
pilgrimage.
Daily
Devotions
·
30 DAY TRIBUTE TO MARY 18th ROSE: Sin
of Pontius Pilate
o
30
Days of Women and Herbs – Frauendreissiger
· Unite
yourself in the work of the Porters of
St. Joseph by joining them in fasting: Today's Fast: End
to abortion
·
Religion
in the Home for Preschool: September
·
Litany of the Most Precious
Blood of Jesus
·
Offering to
the sacred heart of Jesus
·
Rosary
[3] St. Michael and the Angels, Tan
Books, 1983.
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