St. John Chrysostom

Source

Feast Day: September 13

Patron: of exiles and preachers

Birth: around 350

Death: 407

Life: St. John was bishop of Constantinople and a doctor of the Church. When his mother died, he spent six years living as a hermit, but his way of life was so strict he fell ill and was forced back to Antioch. There he was ordained a deacon, then priest, and he became an admired preacher. As bishop he was known as a critic of the behavior of the Byzantine court, and this forced him into exile several times. The name “John” comes from a Hebrew name that means “Yahweh is gracious.” “Chrysostom” is Greek and means “mouth of gold.”

Information found in this book.

The Holy Name of Mary

Source

Feast Day: September 12

The feast first occurred in 1513 in the diocese of Cuenca, Spain. It was then suppressed by Pius V, revived by Sixtus V, and finally became a universal feast in 1683 as thanks for the victory over the Turks who attacked Vienna and Christianity. The feast reminds us of “the significance of Mary, she that is the bearer of light, light that illuminated her soul and that has become the light for many other souls.”

Information found at this book.

Blessed Ludwig IV

Feast Day: September 11

Birth: 1200

Death: 1227

Life: Ludwig was married to Elizabeth of Hungary and had three children with her. He was a very devoted husband and always supported his wife’s acts of charity. The name “Ludwig” has German origins and means “famous warrior.”

Information found in this book.

St. Nicholas of Tolentino

Source

 Feast Day: September 10

Patron: invoked against plague and fevers and for the liberation of souls in Purgatory; protector of the oppressed, infancy, maternity, and Augustinian monks

Birth: 1245

Death: 1305

Life: St. Nicholas was an Augustinian friar and assisted the outcast and sick. He was a mediator in the conflicts between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines in Tolentino and converted many people. The name “Nicholas” has Greek origins and means “victorious among the people.”

Information found in this book.

St. Peter Claver

Source

Feast Day: September 9

Patron: slaves and missionaries among African people

Birth: 1580

Death: 1654

Life: St. Peter studied with Jesuits in Catalonia and later became a Jesuit himself. He traveled to Cartagena and was ordained a priest there. He made a special vow to give all possible assistance to African slaves. The name “Peter” has Greek origins and means “rock, stone.”

Information found in this book.

The Birthday of Our Lady

The Virgin Mary with baby Jesus (Source)

Feast Day: September 8

Today is the feast day for the birthday of the Virgin Mary (who is, indeed, a saint, since she is in heaven). Her birthday began to be celebrated in the 7^th century, but the story had been previously handed down through apocryphal texts like the Protevangelium of James and The Golden Legend. Today is more than the birth of Our Lady, however; it’s also the “announcement, promise, and preparation for the birth of the Messiah.” (Saints, p. 530)

Information found at this book.