CHURCH SOCIAL TIPS
A mosaic of St. Lorenzo Ruiz is seen in the Trinity Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington. (CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn)
The liturgical month of September is filled with many saints who inspire us to serve the poor, spread the faith and celebrate our church’s universality. Here is a brief introduction to them and actions to remember them by.
Serving the poor
We are all called to serve the poor, but St. Teresa of Kolkata was called to serve India’s “poorest of the poor.” She founded the religious order Missionaries of Charity, igniting an international ministry. On Sept. 5 we celebrate the memorial of her canonization that took place just three years ago. Do something for the poor in her memory.
Twin brothers Sts. Cosmas and Damian (St. Damien of Molokai’s inspiration) were third-century doctors who cared for the sick for free. As prominent Christians, they were among the first to be rounded up and martyred in what is now modern-day Turkey. They are the patron saints of doctors and healing. Their memorial is Sept. 26. Pray for the sick on that day.
St. Vincent de Paul, whose feast day is Sept. 27, is synonymous with service to the poor. The St. Vincent de Paul Society continues to be a beacon of hope to the needy. This month, seek out opportunities to help the needy in your community and pray for this great saint’s intercession to end homelessness.
Spreading the faith
St. Gregory the Great, a doctor of the church, had a great impact on the liturgy through the musical form Gregorian Chant. His memorial is celebrated on Sept. 3. His impact is felt and heard around the world. Honor him at Mass by singing loud and proud!
St. John Chrysostom gained prominence for his great preaching. In fact, his name is a reference to a Greek word meaning “golden mouthed.” He is the patron for orators, preachers and lectors. Try to listen more intently to the next homily you hear. His memorial is Sept. 13.
Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian are models of pastoral ministry. St. Cornelius was a first century pope and St. Cyprian a bishop known for his prolific writings. Both are martyrs and intercessors for those in need of patience and reconciliation. Their memorial is Sept. 16, a good day to practice your patience.
The catechetical writings of the great theologian St. Robert Bellarmine, feast day Sept. 17, have been translated into many languages. Many religious educators seek the intercession of this saint to worthily share our faith. Share an aspect of your faith with someone.
St. Matthew, the Gospel writer, left his life as a tax collector to follow Jesus as an Apostle. He is the patron for those in financial careers, and so should be an inspiration for many of you. His day is Sept. 21.
The 20th-century saint St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also called Padre Pio, is known for his stigmata. He is a great example of doing little things with great devotion. Thousands sought him out for confession and counsel. He is also a powerful intercessor for children who suffer from anxiety. His feast is Sept. 23. Make an effort to go to confession.
St. Jerome, feast Sept. 30, is remembered as a great biblical scholar and translator. He said “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” He is also the patron for spiritual direction. Take his advice, and make an extra effort to read the Bible this month.
One universal church
St. Peter Claver baptized nearly 300,000 Africans brought to Cartagena to be sold into slavery. He is a revered and beloved saint of black Catholics, especially those in the dioceses in Louisiana. His memorial is Sept. 9. Say a prayer for human trafficking victims today.
St. Januarius is famous for the annual miracle of the liquefying of a vial of his blood on his feast, Sept. 19, and other days of the year, drawing people from all around the world. Warm up someone’s day with a kind word.
Sept. 20 marks the memorial of the Korean martyrs. The priest St. Andrew Kim Taegon and layman Paul Chong Hasang were among the 103 persons martyred for the faith in Korea during the 19th century. Say a prayer for those being persecuted for their faith around the world.
On Sept. 28 we observe three saints, St. Wenceslaus, St. Lawrence Ruiz and St. Simon de Rojas. St. Wenceslaus was killed by his brother for serving the poor and for stopping the persecution of Christians as the King of Bohemia. St. Lawrence Ruiz, the first Filipino canonized, was martyred at age 37 in Japan. The Spanish priest St. Simon de Rojas was known for his extraordinary devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Remember, young or old, priest or laity, king or commoner, you are all called to be saints.
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic social media strategist based in California.
