St. Gregory the Great was pope from 590 to 604 and is one of the most influential leaders in Church history. He strengthened the papacy’s spiritual and political role in a time of great instability in Europe. Saint Gregory reformed church liturgy and promoted what became known as Gregorian chant. He was a tireless advocate for the poor, organizing charitable relief and land management to support them. Declared a Doctor of the Church, he is remembered for his wisdom, humility, and deep pastoral care.
SEPTEMBER Feasts and Celebrations
SEPTEMBER 1
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE CARE OF CREATION
SEPTEMBER 3
SAINT GREGORY THE GREAT, POPE AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
SEPTEMBER 5
SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa, was a Catholic nun and missionary known for her deep compassion and service to the poorest of the poor in India. Born in 1910 in Albania, she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, dedicating her life to caring for the sick, dying, and abandoned. Her work gained worldwide recognition, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. Despite facing spiritual struggles, she remained devoted to her mission of love and service. She was canonized as a saint in 2016.
SEPTEMBER 8
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary honors the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Though not recorded in the Bible, her birth is a joyful event in Christian tradition, seen as the dawn of salvation, as she would become the mother of the Savior. The feast reminds us of Mary’s special role in God’s plan and her example of humility and faith. It is a day of hope and celebration for Christians around the world.
SEPTEMBER 9
SAINT PETER CLAVER, PRIEST
Saint Peter Claver was a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary known for his dedicated work among enslaved Africans in Cartagena (modern-day Colombia), a major center of the slave trade. He called himself the “slave of the slaves forever” and spent over 40 years ministering to hundreds of thousands of people, providing food, medicine, and spiritual support. Claver baptized around 300,000 individuals and advocated for humane treatment of the enslaved. He is remembered for his compassion, humility, and tireless fight for human dignity. He was canonized in 1888 and is the patron saint of missionary work among African people.
SEPTEMBER 12
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary is a special day in the Catholic Church that honors the name of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her name represents love, purity, and protection, and Catholics believe that calling on her name brings comfort and strength.
SEPTEMBER 13
SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint John Chrysostom was a bishop and one of the greatest preachers in Church history. His name means “golden-mouthed” because of his eloquent speaking. He became Archbishop of Constantinople and spoke boldly against injustice and corruption. His teachings emphasized charity, humility, and living a holy life. He is a Doctor of the Church.
SEPTEMBER 14
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
The Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a Christian feast that honors the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the fourth century. The feast also commemorates the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. It is a day to remember Jesus’ sacrifice and the power of the cross as a symbol of salvation. Christians reflect on the meaning of the cross and renew their faith in Christ’s victory over sin and death.
SEPTEMBER 15
OUR LADY OF SORROWS
Our Lady of Sorrows honors the Virgin Mary and her deep suffering during the passion and death of Jesus. The feast reflects on the seven major sorrows Mary endured, such as the prophecy of Simeon and Jesus’ crucifixion. It reminds believers of Mary’s compassion and strength in facing pain with faith. Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows encourages prayer for comfort in times of suffering. Mary is seen as a model of patience and trust in God even through hardship.
SEPTEMBER 16
SAINTS CORNELIUS, POPE, AND CYPRIAN, BISHOP, MARTYRS
Saint Cornelius was a pope in the 3rd century who led the Church during a time of persecution. He stood firm in faith despite being exiled for defending Church unity. Saint Cyprian, the bishop of Carthage, was a strong leader and writer who supported Saint Cornelius and guided Christians through difficult times. Both men were arrested and martyred for their faith around the year 258. They are remembered for their courage, leadership, and dedication to the early Church.
SEPTEMBER 17
SAINT ROBERT BELLARMINE, BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT HILDEGARD OF BINGEN, VIRGIN AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Robert Bellarmine was a brilliant Jesuit priest, bishop, and theologian who played a key role in defending Catholic teaching during the Counter-Reformation. He is known for his clear writings and deep commitment to the Church.
Saint Hildegard of Bingen was a 12th-century Benedictine abbess, mystic, and scholar. She is celebrated for her visions, her contributions to theology, music, science, and her deep spiritual wisdom.
SEPTEMBER 19
SAINT JANUARIUS, BISHOP AND MARTYR
Saint Januarius was a bishop in Naples during the early fourth century, martyred for his Christian faith during the Roman persecutions. He is famous for the miracle of the liquefaction of his blood, which is still celebrated annually. Januarius is the patron saint of Naples and is remembered for his courage and steadfast faith.
SEPTEMBER 20
SAINTS ANDREW KIM TAE-GON, PRIEST, AND PAUL CHONG HA-SANG, AND COMPANIONS, MARTYRS
Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon was the first Korean-born Catholic priest, and Paul Chong Ha-Sang was one of many laypeople who bravely practiced their faith during intense persecution in Korea. Along with many companions, they were martyred in the 19th century for refusing to renounce Christianity. Their courage helped establish and strengthen the Catholic Church in Korea. They are honored for their faith, sacrifice, and witness to Christ.
SEPTEMBER 23
SAINT PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST
Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, also known as Padre Pio, was a 20th-century Italian priest famous for his deep faith, humility, and miraculous gifts like healing and the stigmata. He spent much of his life serving others through prayer, confession, and charity. Padre Pio is remembered as a powerful example of holiness and devotion.
SEPTEMBER 26
SAINTS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYRS
Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers and doctors who freely healed the sick without accepting payment. They lived in the third century and were martyred for their Christian faith. They are honored as the patron saints of physicians and healers.
SEPTEMBER 27
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST
St. Vincent de Paul was a 17th-century French priest known for his great compassion and dedication to helping the poor. He founded organizations to care for the sick, orphans, and those in need. Vincent emphasized charity, humility, and service, inspiring the Church’s work in social justice.
SEPTEMBER 29
SAINTS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
We have a feast for Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Archangels, to honor their special roles in God’s plan and to celebrate their protection and guidance. Saint Michael is seen as the protector against evil and leader of God’s army. Saint Gabriel is the messenger who brought important news from God, including announcing the birth of Jesus. Saint Raphael is known as a healer and guide, helping those in need.
The feast reminds believers to seek their help and protection in spiritual battles and daily life. It’s a way to recognize their important work in the heavenly realm and ask for their intercession.
SEPTEMBER 30
SAINT JEROME, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
Saint Jerome was a priest and scholar best known for translating the Bible into Latin, called the Vulgate. He lived in the fourth and fifth centuries and is considered a Doctor of the Church for his important work in Scripture study. Jerome’s dedication helped make the Bible more accessible to people.
