Saint Cleopas – September 25

“That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus…one of them, named Cleopas.”

~ Luke 24: 13-25

Saint Joseph of Cupertino – September 18

“Pray to God, “You are the Spirit, and I am only the trumpet, and without your breath I can give no sound.”

~ St. Joseph of Cupertino

Saint John Gabriel Perboyre – September 11

“I do not know what awaits me in the journey that lies ahead of me, without a doubt the cross, which is the daily bread of the missionary.  What can we hope for better, going to preach a crucified God?”

~ St. John Gabriel Perboyre, letter written at the gateway to China.

Saint Rosalia – September 4

“I, Rosalia, daughter of Sinibald, Lord of Roses and Quisquina, have taken the resolution to live in this cave for the love of my Lord, Jesus Christ.”

~ St. Rosalia, words she scrawled into the cave where she lived as a hermit.

Monthly Meditation – SEPTEMBER

“The joy of the Lord is our strength.  Therefore, each of us will accept a life of poverty in cheerful trust.  We will offer cheerful obedience from our inward joy.  We will minister to Christ in the distressing disguise of the poor with cheerful devotion.  If our work is done with joy, we will have no reason to be unhappy.”

~ Saint Theresa of Calcutta

For reflection:

1. Have I allowed myself to perform works of mercy begrudgingly?
2. Do I see Christ in others, especially the poor and marginalized of our society?
3. Have I offered cheerful obedience to God, joyfully performing good works out of love of God and love of neighbor, and ever been unhappy doing so?

The Pope’s Intention for the Month of September

The Protection of the Oceans
That politicians, scientists and economists work together to protect the world’s seas and oceans.

From the USCCB website: https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/the-popes-monthly-intention.cfm