Roodmas [Sept.XIV]

The Feast of the Exaltation of the True Cross

also called Roodmas

The feast of the Exaltation of the True Cross was first observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century. It commemorates the recovery of the relic of the Holy Cross, which had been discovered by St. Helena and after placed on Mt. Calvary, but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians after the capture of the city and the massacre of its Christian population by the forces of Benjamin of Tiberias. The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.

Requiescant in Pace [Sept XI]

Psalm 120

Exultation of the Holy Cross [Sept. XIV]

World Trade Center Cross

This Cross, now relocated at Saint Peter's church, just yards from the site of the former World Trade Center, was discovered on September 13, 2001 (Vigil of the Holy Cross) standing among the rubble at Ground Zero. It has become, for the many of the rescue volunteers and to the population of the New York Metropolis, a powerful symbol of the presence of God in the midst of the horror; death, and destruction visited upon the people of New York on the morning of September 11, 2001.

In Memoriam [first anniversary] Sept. XXIX

MEMORIAL TO MY MOTHER

WHO RESTS IN THE SURE

HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION

Saint Justa

by Murillo

Saint Justa, a vendor of clay pots, together with her sister Saint Rufina. After refusing to sell their pots for use in pagan worship were set upon by the pagans of Seville who destroyed their whole stock of pots. The saintly sisters in full Christian indignation then overturned the cult idol of the pagans, smashing it. They were denounced as Christians before the imperial authorities, a fact, which they did not deny. Having thus confessed the name of Christ they suffered martyrdom, and gained paradise.

O most blessed Saint Justa, pray for the soul of she who in this life so joyfully bore your name.

Prayer to Saint Michael [Sept. XXIX]

Saint Michael the Archangel

defender of the Holy Church of God

Saint Michael

the Archangel,

defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -

by the Divine Power of God -

cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Bl. Mary of Jesus [Sept. XII]

Blessed Mary of Jesus

Born in 1560 at Tartanedo (Spain), she took the Discalced Carmelite habit at Toledo in 1577 and made her profession the following year. She spent the rest of her life serving God in that Carmel, except for a brief period in 1585 when she helped with a foundation at Cuerva. She died at Toledo on September 13, 1640. St. Teresa of Jesus thought extremely highly of her. She was a great contemplative, intensely devoted to our Lord, and often drawing inspiration from the liturgy.

Our Day of Charity [Sept. VIII]

Our Lady of Charity

pray for us.