Not the Destination...: Living the Liturgical Year in September

September... Labor Day, harvest, back to school, corn stalks and scare crow, pumpkin patches, a new leaf (pun totally intended) is turned. But for us, Catholics, what does September bring? What is Mother Church trying to teach us in September?

The month of September is dedicated to our Lady of Sorrows, whom we celebrate on September 15th.

The devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary goes back to the Middle Ages but has its source in the Gospel: Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother: “This child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed—and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword—so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” Luke 2:34-35 (NAB)

Art by Marion Meert

During the month of September the Church invites us to reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary. I was personally introduced to this devotion through Immaculee Ilibagiza's book Our Lady of Kibeho. It moved me deeply and I started praying the Seven Sorrows Rosary. In our family it is now a tradition to pray this rosary daily during the month of September.

Our Lady of Sorrows
XIXth century, Villefranche, France

According to St. Bridget of Sweden (1302-1373), the Blessed Virgin grants seven graces to the souls who honor her daily by meditating on her tears and dolor, at the same time praying seven Hail Marys for each sorrow.

The seven special graces are:

1) Our Blessed Mother will grant peace to their families.

2) They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.

3) Our Heavenly Mother will console them in their pains and she will accompany them in their work. 4) She will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the perfect will of her Divine Son or the sanctification of the soul.

5) Our Blessed Mother will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and she will protect them at every instant of their lives.

6) She will visibly help them at the moment of their death. They will see the face of their mother.

7) She has obtained this grace from her Son, that those who propagate this devotion to her tears and dolor, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven. She and her Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.

Source: http://www.catholic-church.org/grace/marian/7sorrows.htm

It is a beautiful devotion which brings many graces to us and I would encourage you to discover it for yourself.

But September also brings many feast days! Here are a few that we celebrate in our family (and one of the best way Catholic celebrate is with food! So I have attached a few recipes for each fest day that pertains to the saint being celebrated):

- September 5th: Blessed Teresa of Calcutta
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Feast Day Plans
Mother Teresa Tea

Birth of the Virgin by Bellini, 15th century

- September 8th: Birth of Mary (our oldest daughter Alice shares this birthday with Mary)
Blueberry Cheesecake for Our Lady
A Birthday Cake for Our Lady

- September 12th: The Most Holy Name of Mary
Holy Name of Mary

Crucifix Pont Saint Esprit, Visitation

- September 14th: the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century. It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mt. Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem, but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians. The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.
Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad