September is a beautiful month in the Church, filled with feast days, heavenly intercessors, and a devotion that draws us closer to the Heart of Our Lady. As summer gives way to autumn, it’s the perfect time to gather as a family, celebrate the saints, and nurture faith in simple, joy-filled ways.

🌹 Monthly Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows

The Church dedicates September to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to reflect on Mary’s seven sorrows and unite our hearts with hers in compassion and prayer.

Family Idea: Create a “Seven Sorrows Rosary Corner” at home. Use a simple rosary, print or draw images of Mary’s sorrows, and pray one sorrow together each day as a family.

September 2 – St. Ingrid of Sweden

Fun Facts:

1. St. Ingrid was the first Dominican nun in Sweden.

2. She founded a convent in Skänninge that became a center of prayer and learning.

3. She had a strong devotion to the Passion of Christ.

4. Her holiness was so well-known that many came to her for counsel.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Bake traditional Swedish bread together.

• Light a candle and pray for holy women leaders today.

• Talk with kids about how we can follow Jesus with courage.

• Make a simple cross craft to remember her devotion to Christ’s Passion.

About the Saint:

St. Ingrid (d. 1282) dedicated her life to prayer and penance, inspiring many in Sweden. Her witness reminds us that holiness can spread like light, even in places where faith is new or challenged.

September 8 – Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Fun Facts:

1. This is one of only three birthdays celebrated in the Church’s calendar.

2. Tradition holds that Mary was born to Saints Anne and Joachim.

3. Her birth was the dawn of salvation history, preparing for Jesus.

4. This feast is celebrated around the world with joy and processions.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Bake a birthday cake for Mary and sing to her.

• Decorate your family prayer table with flowers.

• Pray a decade of the Rosary as a family.

• Let kids make “birthday cards” for Mary with drawings and prayers.

About the Feast:

The Nativity of Mary reminds us of God’s plan unfolding in history. Her birth brought hope, preparing the way for the Savior.

September 14 – St. Notburga

Fun Facts:

1. St. Notburga was a servant girl in Austria.

2. She cared for the poor, even giving away her own food.

3. She worked in the fields and offered her labor to God.

4. She is often depicted holding a sickle.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Share food with a neighbor or local pantry.

• Teach kids about sharing with those in need.

• Do a family harvest craft (corn husk dolls, apple painting).

• Pray before meals with gratitude for workers who bring us food.

About the Saint:

St. Notburga (1265–1313) is beloved in Austria as a model of humility and charity. She showed that holiness is possible in simple, everyday work.

September 15 – Our Lady of Sorrows

Fun Facts:

1. Mary is honored for her seven sorrows, from Simeon’s prophecy to Jesus’ burial.

2. This devotion helps us meditate on her deep compassion.

3. The feast was first established in the 13th century.

4. Mary is called “Queen of Martyrs” for her sharing in Christ’s suffering.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary together.

• Draw or print pictures of Mary’s sorrows and talk about each one.

• Make a heart craft with seven small “tears.”

• Offer prayers for those who are suffering.

About the Feast:

Our Lady of Sorrows teaches us to stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross. She shows us how to love Jesus even in pain and to comfort others in sorrow.

September 21 – St. Matthew the Apostle

Fun Facts:

1. St. Matthew was a tax collector before following Jesus.

2. He wrote the first Gospel in the New Testament.

3. His symbol is a winged man or angel.

4. He is the patron saint of accountants and bankers.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Read a story from Matthew’s Gospel together.

• Talk about forgiveness and second chances.

• Let kids create “coin” crafts with foil or clay.

• Play a counting game to remember his tax-collector past.

About the Saint:

St. Matthew reminds us that no one is beyond God’s mercy. His Gospel highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

September 23 – St. Xantippa

Fun Facts:

1. St. Xantippa lived in Spain during the apostolic era.

2. Tradition says she and her sister Polyxena were baptized by the Apostle Paul.

3. She is one of the early Christian women witnesses.

4. Her name means “golden horse” in Greek.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Tell kids about early Christians spreading the Gospel.

• Pray for missionaries and evangelists.

• Color a map of Spain and talk about faith spreading through the world.

• Light a candle to honor the courage of the early Church.

About the Saint:

Though little is known, St. Xantippa is remembered for her early faith and courage. She shows us how the Gospel took root in many lands.

September 28 – St. Lorenzo Ruiz

Fun Facts:

1. St. Lorenzo was the first canonized Filipino saint.

2. He was a layman, husband, and father.

3. He was martyred in Japan for refusing to deny his faith.

4. His feast is celebrated with great joy in the Philippines.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pray for families and parents.

• Read a story about martyrs who gave everything for Christ.

• Make a Filipino-inspired dish together.

• Talk about standing up for faith, even when it’s hard.

About the Saint:

St. Lorenzo Ruiz (1600–1637) gave his life rather than renounce his Catholic faith. He is a powerful witness for families today.

September 28 – St. Wenceslaus

Fun Facts:

1. St. Wenceslaus was a duke of Bohemia.

2. He was known for his charity to the poor.

3. He was killed by his brother due to political rivalry.

4. He is remembered in the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslaus.”

Ways to Celebrate:

• Sing “Good King Wenceslaus” as a family.

• Donate warm clothing or blankets to the needy.

• Talk about being kind to others even when it’s difficult.

• Make a crown craft to remember his leadership.

About the Saint:

St. Wenceslaus (907–935) is honored as a Christian ruler who lived with justice and charity. His memory encourages us to live with faith and kindness.

September 29 – Feast of the Archangels: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, and St. Raphael

Fun Facts:

1. St. Michael is the protector and leader of the heavenly armies.

2. St. Gabriel is the messenger who announced the Incarnation to Mary.

3. St. Raphael is known for healing, especially in the Book of Tobit.

4. This feast honors all three great Archangels together.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pray the St. Michael Prayer as a family.

• Bake angel-shaped cookies.

• Read the story of the Annunciation (Luke 1) or the Book of Tobit.

• Create angel crafts with paper and glitter.

About the Feast:

The Archangels remind us of God’s care and presence in our lives. They are powerful intercessors who protect, heal, and bring God’s messages to His people.

September offers us so many ways to grow as a family in faith, joy, and devotion. Whether baking a birthday cake for Mary, learning about courageous saints, or praying the St. Michael Prayer together, these celebrations help children see that the Church’s calendar is a living, joyful way to walk with Christ all year long.