Seasonal Marian Hymn - Salve Regina
St. Michael's Lent Countdown
Countdown to Michaelmas:
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St. John Chrysostom
Today is the Feast of St. John Chrysostom. He lived from around 344 - 407, and was born in Antioch. He is one of the Greek Fathers of the Church and a Doctor of the Church.
He was a monk, preacher, and priest. He became the Bishop of Constantinople in 398. He urged his flock to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He once said:
“But you, when you see the priest offering the Sacrifice, consider not the priest who is ministering, but the hand of God invisibly outstretched.” – Saint John Chrysostom
He was known an an expert orator, and spoke clearly and boldly about all aspects of the Faith, Christian life, and Scripture. His name, “Chrysostom,” means “golden mouth,” and he was given the name “Chrysostom” for his clear and thorough sermons. Some bishops in the hierarchy did not like his candid corrections, and even exiled him. He is the patron of orators, lecturers, preachers, speakers, and against epilepsy. The symbols associated with him are bees, a dove, and a pen.
If St. John Chrysostom was alive today, I imagine he would have a youtube channel or website and would definitely travel the world speaking on the Faith. We need these bold voices today too! So, if you are a Catholic preacher, lecturer, or speaker, do not be afraid to follow the path of St. John Chrysostom, and speak the truth boldly!
St. John Chrysostom, pray for us!
Simple ways to celebrate the Feast of St. John Chrysostom:
- ​Attend Mass​
- ​Pray the Divine Office​
- Have a snack of Golden Raisins or tea with Golden Honey while you read about this amazing Saint
- Learn about the Doctors of the Church
- Fun activity for students: Have them research a topic or teaching in the Church (such as, abortion, why we should attend Mass every Sunday, why we should receive the Sacrament of Confession, etc). Then, have each child present a persuasive 5-10 minute speech on the topic.
- ​Learn about the science of gold in honor of St. John Chrysostom's name meaning "golden mouthed." Learn about why the chalice must be made of a precious metal to hold the Precious Blood!
- More quotes from St. John Chrysostom to meditate on:
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“God asks little, but He gives much.” – Saint John Chrysostom“
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The love of husband and wife is the force that welds society together.” – Saint John Chrysostom
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“When you are before the altar where Christ reposes, you ought no longer to think that you are amongst men; but believe that there are troops of angels and archangels standing by you, and trembling with respect before the sovereign Master of Heaven and earth. Therefore, when you are in church, be there in silence, fear, and veneration.” – Saint John Chrysostom
Tomorrow is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
This feast commemorates the finding of the relic of the True Cross by St. Helena. St. Helena was Constantine’s mother, and as the emperor’s mother, she had a lot of influence and power. Constantine was the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, and he made Christianity the official religion of Rome. This contributed to the spread and acceptance of Christianity.
In the 4th century, St. Helena traveled to the Holy Land to search for the True Cross. She found 3 separate crosses, and in order to determine which one was the true cross, she touched each one to an ill woman. Two of the crosses had no effect on the sick woman, but when the third was touched to her, she was miraculously healed! Thus, St. Helena was convinced that she had indeed found the True Cross that Christ had been crucified on. Later, Constantine also directed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to be built.
Simple ways to celebrate the Feast:
- Go to Mass
- Pray the Divine Office
- ​Sing a Hymn. Here are the lyrics for Lift High the Cross to enjoy!
Ember Days Preparation
There are 4 sets of Ember Days – one in each season. The fall Ember Days begin on the Wednesday following the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (which always falls on September 14). This year, the fall Ember Days are on September 17, 19, and 20.
Each season, we give thanks for a specific crop that grows in that season on that season’s particular Ember Days. The crop that we give thanks for during the fall Ember Days is grapes. Each Ember Days crop is also paired with a certain sacramental symbol. For fall, we give thanks for grapes which are used to make the Precious Blood. You can learn about why chalices must be made of precious metal to hold the Precious Blood here!​
The Ember Days are a time dedicated to voluntary penance. They are not required by the church, but a little extra intentional penance and thanksgiving can do a lot of good! For the Ember Days, we are to fast (2 small meals, or collations, and 1 regular meal) on Wednesday (reminding us of Judas’s betrayal) and Saturday (reminding us of the tomb), and fast and abstain from meat on Friday (reminding us of the crucifixion). Meat is allowed for dinner on Ember Wednesday and Ember Saturday.
Please note: If you are nursing, pregnant, or cannot fast and/or abstain from meat for ANY reason, please do not fast and abstain, as listed above! You can abstain from other things such as: non-essential food (dessert, sweets, coffee, soda), screens, other vices/bad habits, etc. If your pregnancy or condition causes you physical suffering, you can also offer that up for your Ember Days Intentions.
​​Here is an excellent summary and explanation of Ember Days.
Here is a link to prayers for Ember Days. I love that we pray for vocations as to the priesthood as well.
I am also including a sample meal plan for these days. In order to be successful on Ember Days fasting and abstinence, I like to keep our meals as simple as possible. I just serve the same thing for the fasting days, but I have included a blank plan if you would like to switch it up! This fasting bread recipe is nice and hearty, and it makes 3 loaves which is great to last the 3 days (they freeze well, so I would freeze 1 or 2 of them). You can also double or triple this soup recipe to last you the 3 days, or add in another meal that your family enjoys. Keeping the meals and meal prep simple gives me more time for observing the day and praying!
Talk with you tomorrow for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross!
To Jesus through Mary,
Alexandra
Remember: To make your Liturgical Living Alerts easier to find in your inbox, I will be adding a heart emoji đź’š in the color of the Liturgical Season. So, just look out for the heart emoji to easily find your alerts!
Also, these alerts are for both Holy Days of Obligation and Optional devotions and practices. Feel free to pick and choose the Optional Feasts that you would like to observe!
Simply add the Optional Feasts to your planner or calendar to remind yourself.
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