Mary Garden design: Andrea Oliva Florendo
Learning takes place day by day; it goes on and on. That’s true about faith as well. We’re learning each day, which is why our church calendar is so important.
John Chrysostom, one of this month’s saints, complained that people of his time didn’t know much about the church’s calendar; they were hardly aware of it: “Many people today just about know the names of the feasts we celebrate in church. They know hardly anything about their history and meaning…What a shame.”
Chrysostom loved the feasts of our Lord and his saints, seasons like Lent and Advent, which teach us how to live and what to hope for. They’re an ongoing school; they “teach us to number our days aright and gain wisdom of heart.”
September’s a good example, with a parade of interesting saints, like Gregory the Great, John Chrysostom himself, Peter Claver, Matthew the tax collector, Cornelius and Cyprian, Vincent De Paul, Jerome. All important teachers of faith.
There are two big feasts of Mary, the mother of Jesus, this month, her birth on September 8th and her sorrows on September 15, right after the great feast of the Triumph of the Cross, September 14.
I like the way the Feast of our Mother of Sorrows, September 15th, follows the Lord’s Triumph of the Cross. Mary’s greatest sorrow was standing beneath the cross of her Son, but sorrow spanned her whole life. She teaches that bearing the Lord’s cross is not the same as sharing his physical sufferings. Her patient waiting, her struggle to understand God’s plan, her experience of faith’s darkness show the mystery of the cross in other forms.
I just got from the printer this week our new 2024 Passionist Calendar (above). It combines the 2024 Roman Calendar, the 2024 USA Liturgical Calendar, and the 2024 Passionist Calendar and lists the feasts, seasons, saints, and scripture readings for the year. The 2024 Passionist Calendar is linked to this blog www.vhoagland.com which follows the liturgy through the year.
The 2024 Passionist Calendar features reflections by Pope Francis on the environment. It’s a calendar for laypeople, religious and priests. It’s sponsored by the Confraternity of the Passion. $7.00
The Victor's Place 
Dear Father Victor, what many programs do you begin online (or however) this month? You say that in your post and I didn’t know what you meant. Also, what format besides online do you use? Thanks for clarifying for me.
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Nothing besides this online program. Like everywhere else, we have the doors closed here, so online is our door to the world, for the present. FV
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Dear Father Victor, Thank you for clarifying. This online program is a vital part of my day, since I am behind closed doors, too. I have never had my faith so well-informed and joyfully practiced. Thank you for your guidance and that of your contributors.
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Dear Father Victor, each time I read or re-read your reflections something new jumps out at me, something new to reflect upon and pray about or reverence in Scripture. This time, it is Mary who jumps out, specifically, “Her patient waiting…” I was wondering how one sustains the waiting and now I have my answer. Mary, day-by-day. And also check your calendar each day!! Thank you, Father Victor!
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Another thought on waiting, from the Passionists’ Web site: “Learn to withdraw to the inmost part of your spirit and there converse with God one on one, adoring him in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:23). He loves to share the mysteries of the Passion. Learn to converse on what pleases him.” Dear Lord, speak to my heart and I will listen and learn.
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Dear Father Victor, You have a beautiful 2024 Passionist calendar that you are putting out. I thought they would make beautiful Christmas presents and would like to purchase about 30 from you. Please let me know how I can do that. Thank you so much, Father Victor!
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Hope to have them ready for distribution next month. Thanks. FV
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