September is a month rich with opportunities to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary under various beautiful and meaningful titles. Each of these feast days invites us to reflect on different aspects of Mary's role in salvation history and in our lives. Here’s a look at a few of these special days, along with ideas for how you can honor Mary on each one.
🌲 September 5: Our Lady of the Woods
Who She Is: In 1621, a young Roman orphan named Santi Bevilacqua discovered a small tile image of Our Lady of the Woods in the ruins of an old church. After finding the image, Santi and his friends began visiting the site to pray and bring flowers, despite initial resistance from locals. One day, after being miraculously saved from an accident, Santi's uncle investigated the site and confirmed its significance. The town rebuilt the church, which quickly became a popular pilgrimage site. Miracles, including protection from plague and cholera, further strengthened the devotion to Our Lady of the Woods, making it a cherished place of prayer and pilgrimage.
How to Honor Her: Spend time in nature today, perhaps on a walk in the woods or a quiet park. As you walk, pray the Rosary or simply speak to Mary from your heart. Thank her for being your shelter in times of trouble and ask her to help you find peace in God's creation.
👶 September 8: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This feast celebrates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her birth is seen as the dawn of our salvation, as she would become the vessel through which Christ entered the world.
How to Honor Her: Celebrate Mary’s birthday with a simple act of love. You could bake a cake or a special treat in her honor and share it with your family or neighbors. Take a moment to reflect on the gift of Mary’s life and how her ‘yes’ changed the world. Consider praying the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary today, giving thanks for her life.
🙏 September 12: The Most Holy Name of Mary
This feast celebrates the name of Mary, which in itself is a source of grace and protection. The name of Mary is powerful.
How to Honor Her: Today, make a special effort to call on Mary’s name throughout your day, especially in moments of need or stress. You might say a simple prayer like, “Mary, help me,” or “Mary, be with me.” You can also pray the Rosary, meditating on the power and beauty of Mary’s name.
💔 September 15: Our Lady of Sorrows
Who She Is: This feast commemorates the seven sorrows of Mary, reflecting on her deep suffering as the mother of Christ. From the prophecy of Simeon to the crucifixion, Mary’s heart was pierced with grief, yet she remained steadfast in her faith.
How to Honor Her: Reflect on the sorrows of Mary by praying the Seven Sorrows Rosary or by meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Consider offering your own sorrows and hardships to Mary, asking for her intercession and strength in times of suffering.
🌄 September 19: Our Lady of La Salette
Who She Is: Our Lady of La Salette appeared to two children in France in 1846, with a message of reconciliation and a call to conversion. She is often depicted weeping, mourning the sins of the world.
How to Honor Her: Reflect on areas in your life where you need reconciliation, whether with God or others. Make a sincere act of contrition, and if possible, go to Confession. Light a candle today in memory of Our Lady of La Salette and pray for peace and healing in your heart and the world.
🛡️ September 24: Our Lady of Ransom
Who She Is: Our Lady of Ransom, or Our Lady of Mercy, is a title associated with the 13th-century founding of the Mercedarians, who sought to ransom Christians captured by Muslims. Mary, under this title, is a symbol of liberation and mercy.
How to Honor Her: Consider performing an act of mercy today, such as helping someone in need or forgiving someone who has wronged you. Pray for those who are captive, whether physically or spiritually, and ask Our Lady of Ransom to intercede for their freedom.
🏰 September 24: Our Lady of Walsingham
Who She Is: Our Lady of Walsingham is a title rooted in England, where she appeared in a vision to Lady Richeldis in 1061. The vision led to the construction of a shrine that became a major pilgrimage site, dedicated to honoring Mary and seeking her intercession.
How to Honor Her: Reflect on the importance of pilgrimage in your spiritual life. If you cannot go on a physical pilgrimage, consider making a spiritual one by setting aside time for prayer and reflection. You might also read about the history of Walsingham and pray for a deeper connection to Mary through her intercession.
As we move through September, let these Marian feasts guide us closer to Mary and through her, to her Son. Each title reveals a different aspect of her love and care for us. By honoring her in these special ways, we open ourselves to the grace she offers, drawing nearer to the heart of our faith.
Which title of Mary resonates most with you this month? How will you honor her? Let’s share in this journey together. 🌹