September in the Traditional Catholic Liturgical Year
September is a month of triumph through the Cross, inviting the faithful to contemplate the mysteries of Christ’s Passion while continuing their journey through the Season after Pentecost. Throughout the Traditional Catholic liturgical year, the Church presents powerful feasts that remind Christians that true victory is won through sacrifice, perseverance, and faithful union with Our Lord Jesus Christ.
At the heart of September stands the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the Church’s most ancient and profound feasts. Catholics venerate the instrument of our salvation, recalling that through the Cross Christ conquered sin, death, and hell. Closely united to this mystery is the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which honors the Blessed Virgin Mary’s faithful participation in the sufferings of her Divine Son and invites the faithful to unite their own trials to the Passion of Christ.
September also commemorates many extraordinary saints whose lives exemplify courage, wisdom, missionary zeal, and heroic charity. The Church honors St. Gregory the Great, St. Nicholas of Tolentino, St. Peter Claver, The Holy Name of Mary, St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Matthew the Apostle, St. Pio of Pietrelcina (where observed), Sts. Cosmas and Damian, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Jerome, and many other martyrs, bishops, confessors, virgins, and Doctors of the Church.
In The Liturgical Year, Dom Prosper Guéranger beautifully explains how the Church’s September celebrations reveal the glory of the Cross and the transforming power of divine grace. Drawing upon Sacred Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, the Roman liturgy, and centuries of Catholic tradition, he demonstrates how every feast deepens our participation in the mystery of Christ’s redemption.
Whether you attend the Traditional Latin Mass, pray the Divine Office, or desire to follow the Church’s sacred calendar more faithfully, September offers profound opportunities to meditate upon the Cross, honor Our Lady’s Sorrows, and imitate the heroic sanctity of those who carried their crosses faithfully after Christ.
September at a Glance
September is a month centered on the mystery of the Holy Cross, faithful perseverance, and the victory of Christ through suffering. The Church continues the Season after Pentecost while honoring saints whose lives proclaim the Gospel through courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.
Highlights of September
- Time After Pentecost
- Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Holy Name of Mary
- Exaltation of the Holy Cross
- Our Lady of Sorrows
- Ember Days (where observed)
- St. Gregory the Great
- St. Peter Claver
- St. Robert Bellarmine
- St. Matthew the Apostle
- Sts. Cosmas and Damian
- St. Vincent de Paul
- St. Michael the Archangel and the Holy Angels
- St. Jerome
- Daily reflections from Dom Prosper Guéranger
- Traditional Roman Calendar feast days
- Related sermons and videos from Sensus Fidelium
Each reflection helps readers contemplate the mysteries of redemption while learning from the heroic witness of the saints. Dom Prosper Guéranger’s timeless writings reveal the profound beauty of the Church’s liturgy and encourage Catholics to embrace the Cross with confidence and hope.
September 1 – St. Giles, Abbot
September 2 – St Stephen King of Hungary
September 3 – St. Pius X, Pope and Confessor
September 4
September 5 – St. Laurence Justinian, Bishop and Confessor
September 6
September 7
September 8 – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 9 – Second Day within the Octave of the Nativity
September 10 – St Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor
September 11 – Fourth Day within the Octave of the Nativity
September 12 – Fifth Day within the Octave of the Nativity
September 12 – Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
September 13 – Sixth Day within the Octave of the Nativity
September 14 – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 15 – Feast of the Seven Dolours of the Blessed Virgin Mary
September 16 – St Cornelius, Pope & Martyr and St Cyprian, Bishop & Martyr
September 17 – The Stigmata of St Francis
September 17 – St Hildegarde of Bingen, Virgin
September 18 – St. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor
September 19 – St Januarius, Bishop & Martyr; and His Companions, Martyrs
September 20 – St Eustace and His Companions, Martyrs
September 21 – St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
September 22 – St. Thomas of Villanova, Bishop & Confessor
September 23 – St Linus, Pope & Martyr; Thecla, Virgin & Martyr
September 24 – Our Lady of Ransom
September 25
September 26 – St Cyprian, Martyr and St Justina, Virgin & Martyr
September 27 – St Cosmas and Damien, Martyrs
September 28 – St. Wenceslas, Duke and Martyr
September 29 – Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel
September 30 – St Jerome, Priest Confessor and Doctor of the Church
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is September important in the Catholic liturgical year?
September is especially known for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The month emphasizes the mystery of redemption through Christ’s Passion while honoring many saints whose lives exemplified heroic fidelity to the Gospel.
What is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross?
Celebrated on September 14, this feast honors the Cross upon which Jesus Christ accomplished the redemption of the world. It reminds Catholics that the Cross, once an instrument of shame, has become the sign of victory and salvation.
Why does the Church celebrate Our Lady of Sorrows?
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows commemorates the Blessed Virgin Mary’s participation in the sufferings of her Son. Her Seven Sorrows invite the faithful to unite their own trials with Christ’s Passion and to trust in God’s providence.
Which saints are celebrated during September?
Among the best-known September saints are St. Gregory the Great, St. Peter Claver, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Matthew the Apostle, Sts. Cosmas and Damian, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Michael the Archangel, and St. Jerome.
What does Dom Prosper Guéranger teach about September?
Dom Guéranger presents September as a month focused on the triumph of the Cross, showing how Christ’s victory over sin and death is reflected in the Church’s liturgy and in the lives of the saints who faithfully carried their crosses after Him.
Is this collection based on the Traditional Roman Calendar?
Yes. These reflections follow the Traditional Roman Rite and complement the Traditional Latin Mass, preserving the timeless liturgical traditions, prayers, and spiritual heritage of the Catholic Church.