“The world needs saints, and all of us, without exception, are called to holiness. Do not be afraid!” This is the invitation that Pope Francis often extends to us, and this week we are given the opportunity to turn our gaze toward various saints who can awaken in us the desire to become saints. They teach us that it is not necessary to perform particular heroic deeds to follow the path of holiness; rather, we must live in love, united with Christ, in everyday life. Let us take advantage of this time to draw closer to these figures: they are our companions on the journey, our brothers and sisters in faith! Let us heed the call of the saints. Let us imitate their example. Let us ask for their intercession. And let us become saints too.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Beginning of the novena to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus is the saint of the “little way,” the saint who teaches us that everything, even the smallest and most ordinary thing, when done out of love, is pleasing in the eyes of God. The “little way” means living ordinary life with love and for love. Let us pray to Saint Thérèse with the novena, which begins today and ends on September 30, as we await her feast day.
To learn more:
The Story of a Soul
• Novena of roses to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Beginning of the novena to the holy guardian angels
“Be devoted to the guardian angels! Friendship is very human, but it is also very divine: like our life, which is divine and human”; let us make this exhortation of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer our own and confidently pray the novena to the holy guardian angels, which begins today and ends on October 1. Through the intercession of the guardian angels, let us ask the Lord for the grace of docility, so that we may listen to the voice of this companion, this ambassador of God who is beside us in his name, and thus be supported by his help on our journey.
To learn more:
• Novena to the Guardian Angel
• Prayers with the angels
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Start of the novena to Saint Francis of Assisi
October 4 is the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Italy, “an authentic ‘giant’ of holiness, who continues to fascinate countless people of every age and religion” (Benedict XVI). Starting today, we can pray the novena to commemorate him and draw closer to his example: from him, let us learn to choose the new life in Christ, live simply, and appreciate everything the Lord gives us.
To learn more:
• Novenas to Saint Francis and Saint Clare
• The Little Flowers of Saint Francis
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
Saints Cosmas and Damian
Having lived between the 3rd and 4th centuries, Cosmas and Damian have enjoyed a very ancient and widespread cult in both the East and the West. Tradition and art have handed down to us a variety of legends and miracles attributed to the two physician brothers and martyrs. The famous miracle of the transplanted leg was depicted by numerous artists, including Fra Angelico.
One aspect, however, stands out above all: Cosmas and Damian were called anargyri, meaning that they worked free of charge, helping above all the poor in soul and body. Through charity and healing, they attracted many to the love of Christ and, during the persecution of Diocletian, they were martyred in Syria together with their younger brothers Anthimus, Leontius, and Euprepius.
To learn more:
• Saints Cosmas and Damian, physicians
“Everyone should have a few saints with whom they are familiar, to feel them close through prayer and intercession, but also to imitate them. Be certain that they will become good guides to help you love the Lord even more and valuable aids in your human and Christian growth” (Pope Benedict XVI).
May this phrase accompany us throughout the week!
I’ll be waiting for you in the comments on the post!
Have a blessed journey!
