Posted on September 30, 2023 View all news
This month of October sees several important feast days for us. We begin with the Feast of St. Therese on October 1 on the revised calendar and on October 3 on the traditional calendar. St. Thérèse died on September 30, but this was already the feast of St. Jerome. At the time of her canonization, October 1 was the Feast of St. Remigius, and the Church did not want to displace him, so October 3 was chosen. In the revision of the calendar, St. Remigius was removed from the General Roman calendar, and thus, St. Thérèse could be moved to a day closer to her death. This is an important feast for the Sisters, as St. Thérèse was a Discalced Carmelite and one of the most popular saints in the modern era.
We also celebrate the Feast of St. John Henry Newman. This is a particular feast for the Oratory, as St. John Henry Newman founded the Oratory within the English-speaking world. We celebrate his feast day on October 9. Lastly, we celebrate the feast of St. Teresa, the founder of the Discalced Carmelites, on October 15. This is also an important feast for the Sisters, as St. Teresa founded the Order that Mother Marie Cecile belongs to. St. Teresa was a contemporary of St. Philip, both born in 1515.
The month of October is also dedicated to the Rosary. If you do not have the habit of praying the Rosary, I encourage you to pick this up during October. You can begin by just saying one decade, keeping a Rosary in your car, going for a Rosary walk, or praying it as you fall asleep. Even if you don’t finish, the angels will finish it. These steps could help you form this habit of giving honor to Our Lady.
In October, after your Rosary, the Church suggests we also say the following prayer to St. Joseph. May we also pray this for all our intentions, especially the intentions of the Oratory.
During this month, may we strive to grow in the devotional life of the Church. Have a blessed month ahead!
