this week's feasts
Holy name of mary
Last week we celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This week, on Tuesday, Sept. 12, we celebrate the Holy Name of Mary. Mary’s integral role in the life and ministry of her Son, Jesus, means that her very name is exalted. Not only His mother, but His partner in salvation, we honor her by honoring her name. She is the mother of the Savior of the World, the Son of God.
St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom was a bishop and a Doctor of the Church. He was known as a great preacher; hence he was given the title Honey-Mouthed. He has written some of the classics of spirituality. The Feast of St. John Chrysostom is this Wednesday, September 13.
our lady of sorrows
On Friday, Sept. 15, the Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. This feast is intentionally set the day after the Exaltation of the Cross to show that Mary joined in the sufferings of her Son Jesus, participating in His saving work. We too join our sufferings with those of Christ, and we become partners with Him in the work of salvation.
The Church identifies the sufferings (or dolors) of Mary as: 1) The Prophecy of Simeon (“This child will be opposed…and a sword of sorrow will pierce your heart”), 2) The Flight into Egypt, 3) The Loss of Jesus for Three Days, 4) Mary meets Jesus as He carries His Cross, 5) The Crucifixion of Jesus, 6) Jesus is taken down from the Cross (the Pieta), and 7) Jesus is buried in the tomb.
The Church identifies the sufferings (or dolors) of Mary as: 1) The Prophecy of Simeon (“This child will be opposed…and a sword of sorrow will pierce your heart”), 2) The Flight into Egypt, 3) The Loss of Jesus for Three Days, 4) Mary meets Jesus as He carries His Cross, 5) The Crucifixion of Jesus, 6) Jesus is taken down from the Cross (the Pieta), and 7) Jesus is buried in the tomb.
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
When Constantine became the first Christian emperor of the Roman Empire, he sent his mother, Helena, to the Holy Land, to bring back relics of the life and death of Jesus. The most important of the relics that she discovered was the True Cross of Jesus. She was able to bring it home to her royal son. Slivers of the wood from the Cross have been distributed throughout the Church. There was a great celebration when the Cross was publicly honored in the city.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross recalls that celebration and reminds us that every day we should exalt in the Cross of Jesus, for it was there that our salvation was won. This year the feast is on Thursday, Sept. 14. We have one of the relics of the Cross here at Mother of God Church. As part of the Mass on Thursday, everyone will have an opportunity to come forward and to personally show honor to the Cross.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross recalls that celebration and reminds us that every day we should exalt in the Cross of Jesus, for it was there that our salvation was won. This year the feast is on Thursday, Sept. 14. We have one of the relics of the Cross here at Mother of God Church. As part of the Mass on Thursday, everyone will have an opportunity to come forward and to personally show honor to the Cross.