September: Month of our Lady of Sorrows

The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feastday the Church celebrates on September 15th.  Devotions and explanations in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows can be found here.

The principal feasts of this month are as follows:

• Sep 3rd St. Pius X
• Sep 8th Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Sep 12th Holy Name of Mary
• Sep 14th Exaltation of the Holy Cross
• Sep 15th Our Lady of Sorrows
• Sep 17th Holy Stigmata of Saint Francis
• Sep 21st St. Matthew
• Sep 24th Our Lady of Ransom
• Sep 29th Dedication of Saint Michael the Archangel
• Sep 30th St. Jerome 

Other feastdays in addition to these can be found here: Catholic Feast Days.

Let us also not forget that the September Embertides will be upon us following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Ember days (corruption from Lat. Quatuor Tempora, four times) are the days at the beginning of the seasons ordered by the Church as days of fast and abstinence. They were definitely arranged and prescribed for the entire Church by Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) for the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after 13 December (S. Lucia), after Ash Wednesday, after Whitsunday, and after 14 September (Exaltation of the Cross). The purpose of their introduction, besides the general one intended by all prayer and fasting, was to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation, and to assist the needy. The immediate occasion was the practice of the heathens of Rome. The Romans were originally given to agriculture, and their native gods belonged to the same class.

Mark your calendars for this year's September Embertide: September 18, 20, and 21

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31-Day St. Joseph Daily Reflection Manual: Free PDF

Did you know that the Month of March is dedicated to St. Joseph?

31-Day St. Joseph Daily Reflection 

Originally composed by St. Alphonsus Liguori, the text in this booklet was adapted by Hugh J. O'Connell, C.SS.R. Printed with an Imprimatur in 1962, it is now difficult to find. The text was recently arranged as a pdf download, ready to print at home for family devotions. The booklet is composed of 31 short but fervent devotions to St. Joseph, arranged for each day in the month. Every line bears testimony to the respect, confidence, and love which St. Alphonsus felt for the foster father of Jesus.

http://sspx.org/sites/sspx/files/dailydevotionsstjoseph-liguori.pdf

Via: SSPX Website

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October: Month of the Holy Rosary

Recommended Posts for this Month of the Rosary:

• Rosary is a Bond to Heaven
• Archbishop Sheen on the Rosary
• Rosary Miracle at Hiroshima
• Power of the Rosary and the Scapular
• St Louis de Montfort on the Rosary
• The Value of the Rosary
• Rosary for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
• Miracles of the Rosary
• How to Pray the Rosary
• Mass Propers: Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (October 7)

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June Devotions for the Sacred Heart

June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; by tradition and practice, the Church encourages all to meditate on the Sacred Heart, the "fount of life and holiness." Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart as often as you can!

"... Cor Iesu, vita et resurrectio nostra, miserere nobis! (Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy on us!)"

"Let us remember that the Heart of Jesus has called us not only for our own sanctification, but also for that of other souls. He wants to be helped in the salvation of souls" (St. Padre Pio)

The Month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Therefore, I recommend the following posts for the month of June. Some of my posts pertain especially to the Sacred Heart and some are recommend because of coming feastdays this month.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Consecration to the Sacred Heart

Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the dying

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September: Month Dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows

The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, whose memorial the Church celebrates on September 15.  Devotions and explanations in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows can be found here.

The principal feasts of this month are as follows:

• Sep 3rd St. Pius X
• Sep 8th Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Sep 12th Holy Name of Mary
• Sep 14th Exaltation of the Holy Cross
• Sep 15th Our Lady of Sorrows; Com. of St. Nicomedes
• Sep 17th Holy Stigmata of Saint Francis
• Sep 21st St. Matthew
• Sep 24th Our Lady of Ransom
• Sep 29th Dedication of Saint Michael the Archangel
• Sep 30th St. Jerome 

Let us also not forget that the September Embertides will be upon us following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Ember days (corruption from Lat. Quatuor Tempora, four times) are the days at the beginning of the seasons ordered by the Church as days of fast and abstinence. They were definitely arranged and prescribed for the entire Church by Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085) for the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after 13 December (S. Lucia), after Ash Wednesday, after Whitsunday, and after 14 September (Exaltation of the Cross). The purpose of their introduction, besides the general one intended by all prayer and fasting, was to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation, and to assist the needy. The immediate occasion was the practice of the heathens of Rome. The Romans were originally given to agriculture, and their native gods belonged to the same class.

Mark your calendars for this year's September Embertide: September 18, 20, and 21

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October: Month of the Holy Rosary

Recommended Posts for this Month of the Rosary:

• Rosary is a Bond to Heaven
• Archbishop Sheen on the Rosary
• Rosary Miracle at Hiroshima
• Power of the Rosary and the Scapular
• St Louis de Montfort on the Rosary
• The Value of the Rosary
• Rosary for the Poor Souls in Purgatory
• Miracles of the Rosary
• How to Pray the Rosary
• Mass Propers: Feast of the Most Holy Rosary (October 7)

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Devotion for June: Sacred Heart of Jesus

During the month of June, the Church honors in a special manner the Most Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, during this month, watch A Catholic Life for prayers, devotions, and reflections on the Sacred Heart of our Lord.

Beginning on December 27, 1673, through 1675, Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque asking her to receive Him in Holy Communion on the first Friday of every month and to meditate on His passion from 11:00 PM to 12:00 midnight each Thursday. He also revealed to her twelve promises for all who are devoted to His Sacred Heart; he asked for a Feast of the Sacred Heart to be instituted in the liturgical calendar of the Church. Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque with twelve promises for those devoted to His Most Sacred Heart.

Promises for those devoted to the Sacred Heart:

1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life."
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death."
5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings."
6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent."
8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection."
9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out."
12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

Below is a list of previous posts in honor of the Sacred Heart, which are worthy of reading again during this time.

• Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart (Prayer)
• Home Enthronement to the Sacred Heart
• Devotion to the Sacred Heart (2006 Post includes links to encyclicals and prayers for this month. Worthy of bookmarking during this month.)
• Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Dying (Prayer)
• Solemnity of the Sacred Heart
  

Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain

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Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus

July is designated especially as the Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus, a special time to honor the Blood of Jesus. Please see my post entitled Devotions to the Precious Blood of Jesus for more information.

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The Month of June dedicated to the Sacred Heart

"Let us remember that the Heart of Jesus has called us not only for our own sanctification, but also for that of other souls. He wants to be helped in the salvation of souls" (St. Padre Pio)

The Month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Therefore, I recommend the following posts for the month of June. Some of my posts pertain especially to the Sacred Heart and some are recommend because of coming feastdays this month.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Consecration to the Sacred Heart

Daily Offering to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the dying

Read more >>

Month of the Eucharist

April is dedicated to the Most Holy Eucharist. Above all, one post cannot express the necessary sentiments of joy in regards to the Holy Eucharist, which is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Below are a few of the many posts on my blog dedicated to the Holy Eucharist as well as prayers. Let us pray the Litany in Reparation to Our Lord in the Eucharist this month.

Prayers:

• Anima Christi
• Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament
• Prayer to Jesus in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar

Information:

• What is the Eucharist?
• "Catechism on the Real Presence" by St. John Vianney
• "Catechism on Communion" by St. John Vianney
• "Catechism on the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass" by St. John Vianney
• "Catechism on Frequent Communion" by St. John Vianney
• Why am I Catholic? (video)
• Corpus Christi

"For whom is Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament? For me; because He loves me!" (St. Peter Julian Eymard)

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Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Yesterday was the last day of July and the Month of the Precious Blood has ended. August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Through the Sacred Heart Devotion, we remember Jesus's love for us. In the Immaculate Heart, we unite our hearts with Mary in loving God.

May she guide and guard us while bringing us closer to the Heart of her Son. The image of the Immaculate Heart goes back to Luke 2:35, as we recall the sword of sorrow that pierced Mary's heart. It was our sins that crucified Our Savior and which tore a sword of sorrow through his dear Mother Mary.

As Mary revealed at Fatima in 1917, the thorns surrounding her heart are a symbol for sins. Each time we offend our Lord and crucify Him, we further increase the pain His Mother felt beneath the Cross. At Fatima Mary said: "Jesus wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world. I promise salvation to those who embrace it. Tell everybody that God grants graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and that they must ask them from her. Tell them that the Heart of Jesus wishes that by His side should be venerated the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Tell them to ask peace through the Immaculate Heart of Mary; God has placed it in her hands."

EXALTATION OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY by Pope Pius XII

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, in this tragic hour of the world's history, we entrust and consecrate ourselves to your Immaculate Heart, our only refuge, our hope, our salvation. Have pity on this world, torn by the most terrible conflicts, burning with the fires of hate, victim of its own sins. May your Heart be moved at the sight of so much ruin, pain and sorrow.

We consecrate to your maternal heart our persons, our families, our country--the whole of humanity. Protect and save us!

O Heart of Mary, source of true love, fill our selfish hearts with divine charity and with that true brotherly love without which there can never be peace. Grant that men and nations may understand and fulfill the precept of your Divine Son to love one another, in order that true peace may be firmly established in the Justice and Truth of Christ.

DAILY OFFERING TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary,I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and suffering of this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world.I offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of souls, reparation for sins, the reunion of all Christians;I offer them for the intentions of our Bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer and in particular for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.

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Month of the Precious Blood

Today is July 1, 2006, and we begin the Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus. I am particularly fond of the Litany of the Precious Blood. We must remember that each of us is worth something. We were all purchased for a price - the blood of the Eternal Son of the Father, Jesus Christ.

Please see my post Devotions to the Precious Blood for documents and devotions.

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An Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

Today is June 1st, and the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I know that the Sacred Heart is very special to me because I had my home enthroned to the Sacred Heart about a year ago. It is also important to remember that Our Lord made 12 promises to St Margaret Mary for those devoted to his sacred Heart. For the 12 promises and information on devotion to the Sacred Heart, visit a previous post on this website.

St. Padre Pio: "May the Heart of Jesus be the goal of all your inspirations." Please visit my post, Devotion to the Sacred Heart, for this month.

An Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

I give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart. This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him. I therefore take You, O Sacred heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.

Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God the Father, and turn away from me the strokes of his righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in You, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Your goodness and bounty.

Remove from me all that can displease You or resist Your holy will; let your pure love imprint Your image so deeply upon my heart, that I shall never be able to forget You or to be separated from You.

May I obtain from all Your loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Your Heart, for in You I desire to place all my happiness and glory, living and dying in bondage to You.

Amen.

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November: A Month to Pray for the Souls in Purgatory

I wanted to post today on November, which is the traditional month to especially pray for the souls in purgatory. I have outlined here a few past posts of mine that I'd like to share that could answer questions on purgatory. The recent Synod of Bishops in Rome spoke on many recommendations and one of which is to make homilies more apologetic (defending the Catholic faith). So, I would like to pass on these links to defend the faith and teach it and I hope others at their blogs will mention this month. These poor souls need our prayers since they can't pray for themselves in purgatory; let us pass on the word to pray, pray, and pray for them.

"The holy souls are eager for the prayers of the faithful which can gain indulgences for them. Their intercession is powerful. Pray unceasingly. We must empty Purgatory!" -- St. Padre Pio.

From Catholic Education:

One pain that is likely in store for most of us is the frustration that will come from the awareness that the living have the ability to grant ustremendous relief by offering fasts, alms, prayers, i.e., The Rosary, The Act of Reparation, The Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity, The Stations of the Cross, and The Sacrifice of the Mass, etc., in suffrage for us, but are not doing so because they don’t realize they have this power to help us, nor that there is a spiritual treasury of the Church available for them to relieve us, nor that we even need their help, because we did not pass on to them these enduring truths of the faith.

Indulgence:

To gain a Plenary Indulgence form noon Nov. 1 until midnight Nov. 2, visit the church, pray for the Holy Souls and also for the intentions of the Holy Father. On All Soul's Day and for a week afterward, a Plenary Indulgence for the Holy Souls is granted for a visit to the cemetery with devotion and prayer for the dead. All through November, you can gain partial indulgence every day you visit the cemetery and pray for the dead.

Source

Ideas for this November:

• Begin the 7 day prayer for souls in purgatory. Start any time of the year with this great prayer
• The Prayer of St. Gertrude, according to our Lord, saves 1,000 souls from purgatory. Memorize it and pray it daily
• Visit the Mission to Empty Purgatory
• Learn General Information on the belief of Purgatory - it's biblical and dogma!
• Pray for the Holy Souls (scroll down to that section)

Other Recommended Posts:

• Can a Mass for the deceased help their time in purgatory? 
• Is Cremation Allowed?
• How Should We Care for the Bodies of the Dead?

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