September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows

By Robyn Bruggeman

As summer gives way to fall, the Church gently turns our eyes toward Our Lady of Sorrows (Seven Sorrows of Mary), whose feast follows immediately after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sept. 15. September reminds us that discipleship isn’t simply about celebrating joyful moments; it is also about remaining faithful through suffering.

Mary teaches us how to stand at the foot of the Cross with courage, hope and unwavering trust in God’s plan. She didn’t understand everything that would happen, but she remained close to Jesus through every sorrow. As we enter a new school year, busier schedules and changing seasons, September invites us to place our own joys and crosses into Mary’s hands and allow her to lead us ever closer to her Son.

Simple ways to honor the monthly devotion:

Pray the Seven Sorrows Chaplet or meditate on Mary’s sorrows.

Offer daily inconveniences, sufferings or discomfort for someone in need.

Light a candle while praying for those who are suffering.

“Offer It Up: Finding Hope in Suffering” is a great Living LIT podcast to check out with special guest Megan Hjelmstad (author of the book: Offer It Up). Visit LivingLIT.org.

A beautiful children’s book is “Our Lady Of Sorrows” by Patrick O’ Hearn.

 

Sept. 5 – St. Teresa of Calcutta

What we celebrate

St. Teresa is one of the greatest modern saints—a woman who saw Jesus hidden in “the poorest of the poor.” She reminds us that holiness isn’t measured by grand accomplishments but by small acts of love done faithfully. She served Christ in the abandoned, forgotten, sick, dying and lonely because she truly believed Jesus’ words: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.” Her feast reminds us that every Christian is called to become the hands and feet of Christ.

How to live it LITurgically

Enjoy blueberries—a nod to Mother Teresa’s blue-trimmed sari.

Visit someone who is lonely or homebound.

Watch or listen to the Living LIT podcast “From Calcutta to Your Kitchen Table: Honoring St. Mother Teresa” for more ideas.

 

Sept. 8 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

What we celebrate

Today, we celebrate Mary’s birthday! While Scripture doesn’t record her birth, the Church has celebrated Mary’s nativity for centuries because her birth marks the beginning of God’s beautiful plan of salvation unfolding through her “yes.” Every birthday is a reminder that God created each person for a purpose—and Mary’s purpose was unlike any other. Through her came Jesus, our Savior.

How to live it LITurgically

Bake a birthday cake for Mary. Enjoy it in her honor.

Decorate with blue and white (colors associated with our Blessed Mother).

Place flowers before a statue of Mary.

Listen to the Living LIT podcast “Celebrating Mary’s Birthday: Honoring Our Blessed Mother” for more ways to celebrate.

Pray one decade of the Rosary (or all of it) together.

 

Sept. 14 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

What we celebrate

At first glance, celebrating an instrument of execution seems strange. But because Jesus willingly died upon the Cross, it became the greatest sign of victory the world has ever known. Through the Cross came forgiveness, redemption and eternal life.

Today we don’t celebrate suffering itself—we celebrate Christ’s triumph through suffering. Every crucifix in our homes reminds us that love is stronger than death.

How to live it LITurgically

Venerate your family crucifix in your home. “We adore you O Christ, and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.”

Display crucifixes prominently around the home.

Pray the Stations of the Cross.

Listen/watch Living LIT podcast “The Exaltation of the Holy Cross—Lifting High the Cross of Christ” to understand and live more of this feast day.

Talk about carrying our daily crosses with Jesus.

 

Sept. 23 – St. Pio of Pietrelcina

What we celebrate

St. Pio of Pietrelcina (known widely as Padre Pio) was a humble Capuchin friar known for his deep prayer, love for the Eucharist, countless hours hearing confessions and bearing the stigmata—the wounds of Christ. He reminds us that holiness grows through prayer, frequent confession, trust in God’s mercy and perseverance in suffering. One of his most beloved sayings still encourages millions today: “Pray, hope and don’t worry.”

How to live it LITurgically

Go to confession as a family.

Spend time in eucharistic adoration.

Enjoy donuts for fun, in honor of “pray, hope and donut worry”!

For more on Padre Pio’s feast day, listen to the Living LIT podcast “Pray, Hope, and Donut Worry: Celebrating St. Padre Pio.”

Create a prayer jar where everyone places intentions to pray for throughout the month.

 

Sept. 29 – Michaelmas, St. Michael and the Archangels

Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

What we celebrate

On Michaelmas, we celebrate the three archangels named in Scripture who faithfully serve God and help carry out his divine plan. St. Michael is the great defender against evil; St. Gabriel is God’s messenger who announced the Good News to Mary; and St. Raphael is the compassionate guide and healer from the Book of Tobit. This feast reminds us that God is always at work, surrounding us with his protection, guidance and care through the ministry of his holy angels.

How to live it LITurgically

Pray the St. Michael Prayer.

Listen to/watch Living LIT podcast “Defend us in Battle: Celebrating St. Michael and the Archangels” for more living liturgical thoughts.

Serve a traditional blackberry dessert (a nod to old Michaelmas traditions) or angel food cake.

Bless your children before bed with the Sign of the Cross.

 

September gently prepares our hearts for the seasons ahead. As the days grow shorter, the Church reminds us to remain rooted in Christ. We learn compassion from Mother Teresa, joyful trust from Mary, courage from the Cross, perseverance from Padre Pio, and confidence from the holy angels. 

Until next month, may your home be filled with truth, light and the joy of living LIT—for the little church you call home. Visit LivingLIT.org for more.