I welcome you all to the month of September, the ninth month of the year which notably brings the third quarter of the year to an end. This month ushers us into the “ember” months which remind us that the year is gradually coming to an end and the need to examine the progress made thus far particularly in our Christian life-journey. In this month, the Church in her wisdom presents to her faithful, feasts which assist us to understand and appreciate the paschal mystery of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
These feasts include; the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 and the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14. The Nativity of Mary marks the beginning of the unraveling of God’s plan of salvation for His people, while the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, which is the patronal feast day of our Archdiocese, along with the resurrection, brings to completion the mission of God’s plan for his people on the Cross.
Other feast days in this month are: St. Peter Claver (9th September), St. John Chrysostom (13th September), Our Lady of Sorrows (15th September), SS. Cornelius and Cyprian (16th September), St. Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions (20th September), St. Matthew (21st September), St. Pio of Pietrelcina (23rd September), St. Vincent de Paul (27th September), SS. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels (29th September), St. Jerome (30th September).
My intention for September 2023 For Widows and Orphans:
We pray for widows and orphans, especially those marginalized by their families. May God be their strength in their trying moments and keep them in love.
• Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Lagos.
