DEVOTION OF THE MONTH

We are blessed to have a new community of Sisters join our CASS core team! Mother Teresa Christe, Mother Marie de Lourdes and Sister Mary Vianney have been invited by Bishop Barber to form a new community of consecrated women, devoted to Jesus through Mary, in the Diocese of Oakland. Their community will be known as The Oblates of the Heart of Mary. The Sisters bring a long experience in religious life and classical education (most recently serving at Chesterton Academy of St. James in Menlo Park). They look forward to joining our endeavors to grow our Academy by their prayerful support and practical assistance. Mother Teresa Christe will offer monthly reflections in our CASS newsletter series.

Our date of birth is a fact that often is noted with a Sharpee on the family calendar.  The reality that this date proclaims a birthday does not end with the faded ink on our birth certificates.  Loved ones plan, shop, bake, wrap, decorate (you know the drill!), to express devoted love and gratitude for the birthday boy or girl!  In our lives and families, such acts of devotion for one another sweeten the burdens of daily life.  Relationships are renewed, gratitude is shown and creativity, motivated by love, elevates and strengthens us. 

Our lives as followers of Christ feature a similar interplay of Doctrine and Devotion. A quick mental glance through your past week will prove this point.  For example, you firmly believe in the Doctrine of the True Presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and you expressed your belief by a time of Eucharistic Adoration, an action that expressed your love and gratitude for Jesus’ presence, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.  You believe that Mary is the Mother of God and that she loved Him as her own son. You express your belief by placing flowers before her image or praying decades of the Rosary. Doctrine is considered to be all that is universally taught by the Catholic Church while Devotion is an expression of our loving gratitude for that Truth. 

Imagine that it is the first Sunday of January, you're on your way out of the Church after  Mass. The well-dressed ushers, planted strategically in the vestibule, direct you to the mountainous pile of wall calendars teetering on the narrow display tables along the side of the crowded space.  Father had clearly reminded the congregation about them at the end of Mass but somehow, in that 7 minutes between his announcement and the complicated process of filing your family through the teaming aisle, you nearly forgot to take one. Father urged all to display the calendar at home in order to be aware of the saints, solemnities, and Holy Days of Obligation of the year ahead.  He added that observing the “devotion of the Month”, displayed therein, might just be an achievable goal for a New Year’s resolution.  The thought spurs you to action and right then and there, you make your resolve to live this year under the gentle influence of each month’s special devotion. 

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the practice of “the devotion of the month” developed over time as popular devotions began to develop in the lives of Christ’s followers on earth. Since the practice of these devotions were not directly connected to the Mass and Liturgies of the Church, they could easily be observed within the church, home and school - not to replace the Mass - but to serve as a way to keep the faith vibrant in the church, in the home and especially in hearts. The practice of these devotions, especially since the 16th century found their way into the liturgical calendar and some had entire months devoted to them.  For example, Pope Pius XI popularized dedicating the entire month of March to St. Joseph (1877), while Pope Leo XIII urged all Catholics to observe October as “The Month of the Rosary” (1883).

For the Month of August the “devotion of the month” features Our Blessed Mother’s Immaculate Heart.  In Luke 2:19 we read that Mary “pondered these things in her heart” as the mystery of the Incarnation and Redemption played out before her in the life of her Divine Son.  Who better than Mary can teach us how to reflect, contemplate and act in the Name of Jesus.  In our Blessed Mother we have a true Mother given to us by Christ as His dying gift on Calvary, “‘Woman, behold thy Son’, and to the disciple ‘Behold, thy Mother””(John 19:26,27). Just as our earthly Mothers leave a lasting mark on our hearts and attitudes, so Mary, when we truly express  our devotion, begins to influence us from the inside out.  At Fatima, Our Lady revealed to the children that her Immaculate Heart would be our refuge and the road that would lead us to God.  

Here are a few ways you can practice the “devotion of the month” during August, the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

1. Consider putting up a little shrine in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in your home or work space.  It can include an image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a candle, the gospel of Luke or any other helpful reading.  As an act of love and gratitude to God for His gift of Our Blessed Mother, keep fresh flowers before her image all month. 

2. When the clock strikes the hour, take a moment to ponder, with Mary, God’s action in your life and invoke Our Lady with a little prayer like: “Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for me and my family” “Immaculate Heart of Mary, lead me to Jesus”

3. Pray your daily Rosary, contemplating the mysteries through the eyes and heart of Mary. What are her thoughts, sentiments and prayers as she contemplates these mysteries with you?

Acknowledgements:

Catholic Answers, 2025,  https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/special-devotions-for-months

Bible Gateway, Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

St. John Eudes, The Admirable Heart of Mary 1948, pdf, opensource, 2022

Just above the high altar at St. Leo the Great Parish stands a life sized Crucifixion scene with a notable difference from others.  We Sisters chant our Divine Office in its shadow every day which has given us ample time to ponder its message.  Standing beside the Cross on Jesus’ right, is the image of the Sorrowful Mother, her hand extended toward Him in a gesture of loving support and participation.  Jesus’ wounded  face is inclined toward His Mother in acknowledgement of her presence while the beloved disciple stands in awe at Jesus’ left, with his hand over his heart.  Pondering this image, one can almost hear Christ’s words, “Woman, behold thy son…Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.” (John 19: 26,27)

Hold that image for a moment... for, September pulls back the curtain to reveal the Month dedicated to the Sorrowful Mother.  The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows came about as a result of a growing devotion to Mary under this title, beginning in the 11th century.  Several hundred years later, Pope Pius VII had recourse to Our Lady under this title in the Church experienced during the turbulent reign of Napoleon. After annexing Rome to France, Napoleon ordered the Pope Pius VII arrested and imprisoned from 1809 -1814.  Our Mother of Sorrows was his solace! When the Holy Father was finally released, he instituted a new liturgical feast in September in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows. He intentionally placed the feast day very close to the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross to emphasize Our Lady’s participation in the sufferings, death and resurrection of her Son. He taught that this devotion encourages us that our sufferings too, can be united with those of Christ.  Pope Pius VII extended this feast to the universal Church and encouraged the entire month to be dedicated to her honor.  

Think about the last year and those who have reached out to you for prayers and consolation.  In your most intimate relationships you celebrate not just joys but the inevitable sorrows of life.  Have you consoled a friend who miscarried a child, lost a parent, a job, or are in a turbulent family situation? Only the best and trusted of friends show up for this role! By this devotion, Mary personally invites us, as a dear and intimate friend, to keep company with her in her Sorrows.  In turn, she will reveal to us the secret of suffering as a participation in the redeeming action of Her Son.  

Seven events, referred to in Sacred Scripture, are honored as Mary’s Seven Sorrows: The Seven Sorrows or “dolors” are particular events in the life of Mary that caused excessive sorrow in her Immaculate Heart, sorrows in which she was especially united to Jesus. 

1) The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)

2) The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)

3) The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)

4) The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Road to Calvary (John 19:17)

5) The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30)

6) Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40)

7) Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42)

Why is Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows so important?  

Consider the thoughts of the Saints on this devotion, particularly St. Bernard, St. Louis Marie de Montfort and St. Alphonsus Marie Ligouri:

• Mary, mother of Jesus, was a mother more loving than all other mothers. She loved more than all mothers combined. both natural and supernatural love were united in the heart of Mary: she loved Jesus as her Son, and she loved Him as her God.

• Since she was a perfect woman, not even the slightest self-love stained her Immaculate Heart. Therefore her capacity for love was (and is) astonishing.

• Mary stood—she did not collapse in anguish—at the foot of the cross, and watched her Son suffer and die.

• In her anguish, where could she turn her gaze for consolation as she stood beneath the Cross? When we suffer, we can lift our eyes to Jesus, and find solace there.

As we are under great obligations to Jesus for His Passion endured for our love, so also are we under great obligations to Mary for the martyrdom which she voluntarily suffered for our salvation in the death of her Son.  

What are the fruits of this devotion?

Daily sorrows often bring out the worst in us - impatience, blame, self-pity…need I say more?  Those who practice this devotion experience these fruits in their daily lives as promised by Our Lady to St. Gertrude the Great: 

• I will grant peace to their families.

• They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.

• I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.

• I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.

• I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.

• I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they will see the face of their Mother.

• I have obtained from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

Ways to Practice this Devotion during the Month of September

• Consider placing a picture of Our Lady of Sorrows on your home screen on your computer or phone.  Take time to contemplate and talk to Our Lady as you look at the screen before work or communications.

• As a difficulty arises during the day (as they inevitably do), place yourself at the foot of the Cross with Mary and offer this contradiction with the prayer, “Oh my Jesus, this is for Love of Thee, Who died on the Cross for love of me.”

• Construct a shrine in your home or display an image of Our Mother of Sorrows in a prominent place in  during the Month of September

Acknowledgments

https://www.maryimmaculateoflourdesnewtonma.org/the-month-of-our-lady-of-sorrows-and-pius-vii

https://osmm.org/devotions-to-our-lady-of-sorrows/

https://www.biblegateway.com 

“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven". (Matt 18:10)

It had been a long week of school for my friend, Anne Marie, a veteran first grade teacher in at St. Peter’s Catholic School.  We had planned to meet, take a walk and have dinner together.  I arrived at the school parking lot just as the sun was setting and the last cars were leaving for the weekend.  Venturing to my friend’s classroom, I found the door unlocked and the lights off.  My eyes sought the teacher’s desk to find my friend but oddly, her voice greeted me from the back of the classroom where her slim frame had found its way behind a child’s tiny desk and chair.  “What are you doing back there?” I asked in surprise.  “Praying for a little boy who is experiencing a very difficult family situation.” Anne Marie answered.  She then relayed to me her custom of praying for her students from their desks after the school day – especially asking the intercession of their Guardian Angels. I have never forgotten my friend’s simple yet profound faith in the often-forgotten presence of the Holy Angels.   

In our Catholic devotional tradition, October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary and the Guardian Angels.  Since there will be no shortage of opportunities to celebrate the Holy Rosary this month, I would like to share a little about these magnificent spirits who accompany us on our earthly pilgrimage.

“Fast Facts” about the Angels

• Angels are created spirits without bodies, having understanding and free will.  (Baltimore Catechism #37) …they are personal and immortal creatures, surpassing in perfection all visible creatures, as the splendor of their glory bears witness (CCC#330).

• Angels are mentioned in the Old Testament 117 times and 180 times in the New Testament (Bible Gateway)

• The Guardian Angels are given to us by God as an expression of His loving providence. The Angels help us by praying for us, by acting as messengers from God to us, by protecting us from harm and inspiring us to do good. (Balt. Cat. #43)

• Angels were created through and for God and serve as messengers of His saving plan (CCC #331)

Ways to Honor the Angels and Grow in Devotion during this Month of October

• Consciously turn to your Guardian Angel, in prayer.  Thank God for their inspiration and protection.  

• Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church #328 - #336

• Communicate with the Angels of your children and loved ones through prayer – especially in times of trial and concern

• Consider, this month, setting up a little shrine to the Angels in your home and praying the following prayer with your family: “Angel of God my guardian dear to whom God’s Love commits me here.  Ever this day, be at my side to light, to guard, to rule and to guide. Amen.” 

• During the Rosary, meditate on the agency of the Angels in each of the Divine Mysteries of the Life of Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph.

Acknowledgements:

Bible RSV. Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/ 

Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). (1997). Libreria Editrice Vaticana

Catholic Church. (1949). The Baltimore Catechism, Connell, Rev. Francis,  Confraternity Edition, Benziger Bros. Press