On September 23rd of this year, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, will raise to the altars the great missionary of California, Fr. Junipero Serra. This devoted man of God did so much in establishing the missions in California - desiring to bring Jesus Christ to all and truly loving the native peoples. May he be an example to all of us, because if you are baptized, you are a missionary!

Mother and the novices are going on pilgrimage to Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmel in honor of the newly canonized Saint. Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmel is where Fr. Serra is buried, and the Sisters will join in venerating his relics, a procession, assist at Holy Mass, and attend a celebration. The canonization and pilgrimage are particularly special for us because one of our Sisters is Sister Maria Serra. What a joy and honor this will be!

Saint Junipero Serra, pray for us!

*Update! Click here for pictures of our pilgrimage.*

"[True Devotion to Mary] is tender; that is, full of confidence in her, like a child's confidence in his loving mother. This confidence makes the soul have recourse to her in all its bodily and mental necessities, with much simplicity, trust, and tenderness. It implores the aid of its good Mother at all times, in all places, and above all things: in doubts, that is may be enlightened; it is wanderings, that it may be brought into the right path; in its temptations, that it may be supported; in its weaknesses, that it may be strengthened; in its falls, that it may be lifted up; in its discouragements that it may be cheered; in its scruples, that they may be consoled under them."
~St. Louis Marie de Monfort, True Devotion to Mary

This week begins the Parish School of Religion and RCIC classes at the Cathedral Parish, and the Sisters are blessed to be involved! The Parish School of Religion was developed by Sister Maria Faustina and meets on Tuesdays, and this week is the orientation and "meet the teacher" night. Sister Margaret Mary will be teaching the first grade class, Sister Mary Rose will teaching the second grade/First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, Sister Mary Vianney will be teaching the third grade class, and Sister Caritas Marie will be teaching the high school group. Sister Mary Rose will also be teaching a class of RCIC, third-sixth graders, on Thursdays. The Sisters consider it a true honor to teach the faith to Christ's little ones. We strive not only to present facts, but to prepare hearts to grow in love with Jesus and Mary. We look forward to the start of this school year. Our Lady the Teacher, pray for us!

Saint John Chrysostom's feast day on the new calendar is September 13th.
Saint John Chrysostom, pray for us!

Always remember that the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary are powerful and beautiful prayers. Today, let the sweet name of our Mother Mary fall from our lips many times:  to plead for her help, to intercede for others, to show her our love.

Saint Peter Claver's feast day is September 9th.
Saint Peter Claver, pray for us!

"Thy birth, O Virgin Mother of God,
heralded joy to all the world.
For from thee has risen the Sun of Justice,
Christ our God.
Destroying the curse, He gave the blessing;
and damning death, He bestowed on us life everlasting.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
For from thee has risen the Sun of Justice,
Christ our God."
                                                                                 ~From Matins of the traditional Divine Office

"It is a feast close to our heart, for as members of God's great family we love to celebrate family events; today is our Mother's birthday." ~Dr. Pius Parsch, The Church's Year of Grace Volume 5