TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On September 8, we joyfully celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from whom the sun of justice, Christ our God, has arisen. The liturgy emphasizes the salvific aspect of this celebration: the Nativity of Mary is “hope and dawn of salvation for the whole world” (prayer after Communion). Like the dawn, Mary announces salvation and precedes the “sun that rises from on high,” heralding the first coming of the fullness of time. Let us ask the Lord to grant us the gift of heavenly grace and, since the motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary marked the beginning of salvation, may the feast of her birth increase peace within us.

For further reflection:
• The Glories of Mary

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
Beginning of the novena to Saint Joseph of Copertino

Today we begin praying the novena to Saint Joseph of Copertino, the “saint of flight.” He is acclaimed as the patron saint of students, since he was ordained a priest after passing his exams with great difficulty, which was considered miraculous given the challenges he faced despite his commitment to his studies.
At the beginning of this school year, more troubled than usual because of the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus, let us learn about the life of this saint and entrust our studies and school exams to his intercession, so that, with the Lord's grace, we may overcome our daily challenges. By praying the novena in his honor, let us place ourselves in his school, learn about his virtues, and allow ourselves to be captivated by love for invisible realities.

For further reflection:
• Saint Joseph of Copertino - The saint of wonders

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
Beginning of the novena to the Virgin Mary of La Salette

From today through September 18, the novena to the Virgin Mary of La Salette is being prayed. Although this apparition was recognized by the Church, it did not immediately achieve the success of Lourdes and Fatima, but through the novena we have the wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and message of the apparition of Our Lady, which took place on September 19, 1846, at La Salette in the French Alps.
La Salette’s message is one of hope: the opportunity to redeem ourselves is always offered to us, but we must accept it. With this spirit, let us pray the novena, opening ourselves to God’s love, which Our Lady pours into our hearts to lead us to salvation.

For further reflection:
• Novena to the Beautiful Lady of La Salette
• Choose life, then. The apparition and message of Our Lady of La Salette
• La Salette. The shocking message of a merciful Mother

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Most Holy Name of Mary

After the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, the Church dedicates a day to the holy name of Mary so that it may always resound on our lips and in our hearts. But what exactly does the name of Christ’s mother mean? According to Saint Albert the Great, «the name of Mary has four meanings: illuminator, star of the sea, bitter sea, lady or mistress». Beyond the various hypotheses about its meaning, after the name of Jesus there is no sweeter or more gentle name to invoke than that of his and our Mother. The name of Mary brings grace to those who invoke it, consoles those who are afflicted, and gladdens the whole earth. The various interpretations nevertheless converge in the one most important meaning of the name of Mary: for those who invoke it with devotion, it is a source of salvation. It helps us overcome temptations, is most powerful in spiritual combat, and is a safe refuge for sinners.
Together with the whole Church, we ask in faith: «Grant, O almighty God, that the blessed Virgin Mary may obtain the benefits of your mercy for all who joyfully remember her glorious name».

For further reflection:
• On Your Word. September-October 2020 daily missal
• Pray, pray, pray