The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, a title given to Mary as she suffered alongside Christ during his passion. The tradition dates back as far as the 17th century, when the Servites established a special feast in September.

Our Lady of Sorrows is one of many titles bestowed upon Mary. This title is derived from Simeon’s prophecy during Jesus’ presentation at the Temple in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2. 

“The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” (Luke 2:33-35)

The Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15, calling on the faithful to reflect on the seven sorrows of Mary. These seven sorrows include: the prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35), the flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15), loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50), Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17), Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30), the body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37), and the burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47). 

During September, Catholics can pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary, meditating on the pains of Jesus through the eyes of Our Lady. This devotion dates back to the 14th century as Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, appeared to St. Bridget of Sweden and revealed this rosary prayer to her. It is prayed similarly to the rosary, but instead of meditating on five mysteries, you meditate on the seven sorrows. And instead of praying 10 Hail Marys in between each mystery, you pray seven Hail Marys in between each sorrow. 

You can also access our other videos here and audio recordings here.

Prayers for the Seven Sorrows Rosary
Begin with the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introductory Prayer:
My God, I offer You this Rosary for Your glory, so I can honor your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, so I can share and meditate upon her suffering. I humbly beg you to give me true repentance for all my sins. Give me wisdom and humility, so that I may receive all the indulgences contained in this prayer.

Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend You, my God, You Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

After the Act of Contrition:
Pray 3 Hail Mary’s
Then pray: Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.

For each Sword of Sorrow below, pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s. Then conclude with:
Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.

The First Sword of Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35)
The Second Sword of Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
The Third Sword of Sorrow: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
The Fourth Sword of Sorrow: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31)
The Fifth Sword of Sorrow: Mary Stands at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27)
The Sixth Sword of Sorrow: Mary Receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her Arms (John 19:38-40)
The Seventh Sword of Sorrow: The Body of Jesus is Placed in the Tomb (John 19:41-42)

Concluding Prayer:
Queen of Martyrs, your heart suffered so much. I beg you, by the merits of the tears you shed in these terrible and sorrowful times, to obtain for me and all the sinners of the world the grace of complete sincerity and repentance. Amen.

Three times, pray:
Mary, who was conceived without sin and who suffered for us, pray for us.

Then end with Sign of the Cross:
In the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen.

From "The Catholic Thing" Website: 

At times it’s enjoyable to kick your feet up with the Ignatius Bible on your lap and spend a couple of hours reading the Gospels or some of those stirring Old Testament stories. The experience may be so absorbing that we might find it easy to question whether we need priests, bishops, and popes – or even the Church. (Protestants have, for 500 years.) Why not dismiss them all as complicating factors and enjoy the bliss of sola Scriptura? Well, a few nagging details are noticeable.

The Gospels recount Jesus’ words and glorious deeds. After the miraculous multiplication of loaves, the Apostles sail across the sea and encounter Jesus walking on water. Jesus elicits Peter’s momentary faith but saves him from sinking into the waters in a moment of doubt. Ashore, the crowds seek Jesus as their “Bread King,” but he reveals an astounding truth: Jesus is the Bread of Life, and unless we eat His body and drink His blood, we have no life within us.

Except for the Apostles, the disciples scatter in disbelief. The Apostles don’t thumb through their Bibles (which they didn’t have back then anyway). Peter asks, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of everlasting life.”

The Gospel narrative reaches its decisive moment (Matthew 16:13-20). Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” They respond, Elijah, John the Baptist, or one of the prophets. But Peter, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, witnesses to the messianic divinity of Jesus: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God!”

Jesus responds with words that Bible-alone Christians may find difficult to read: “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail over it.” It’s a tall order. Peter? Church? Protected from the Devil’s assaults?

From a Bible-alone perspective (what Luther codified as sola Scriptura), it’s an inconvenient truth. Why was a Church necessary in the first place? And if it was necessary, couldn’t He have done better with a qualified, highly educated man, sophisticated in the ways of the world, and relating well to the Jewish elites? Why did Jesus need to identify a mere mortal – and a fisherman at that – as his vicar? Yet after the Resurrection, at Pentecost, the Church emerges publicly under Peter’s apostolic leadership.

We know much of the rest of the story. The Apostles went out to the world to preach the Gospel. Peter’s ministry abruptly ended in Rome, where he was crucified. For a couple of hundred years, his successors suffered similar fates. Yet somehow, the gates of Hell didn’t prevail over the infant Church. That Bible didn’t float down from heaven. It was born into the Church, recognized within the Church, and authoritatively confirmed by her bishops and popes.

Fast forward to the twenty-first century. We won. We have leather-covered Bibles. Some Protestant Bibles are missing important books. Thomas Jefferson took scissors, literally, to the pages of the book and produced a Bible without miracles, limited by Jeffersonian rationalism. Many modern Catholic Bible translations are scarred with political correctness. Despite a few flaws – with a Bible on one’s lap – people often get in the way, unless they’re bringing lunch or dinner.

Church history is distressing. Critics of the popes have always found reasons to complain. Some popes have seemed too silent; others have talked too much. Some have overextended their authority. Others have failed to use it correctly. The popes of the Middle Ages were often so worldly they hardly had time to rule the Church. It’s no wonder the Protestant revolt gained such traction in the sixteenth century. Today, Churchmen opposing the modern machinery of death in its various forms are accused of ivory tower naiveté. Who needs a Church?

Yet, year after year, century after century, Church teaching somehow remains consistent while developing organically in depth and understanding. The simple faithful often identify departures from Apostolic Tradition more easily than highly trained theological experts. Yet the Church’s solemn pronouncements are publicly available and can be verified.

Without an authoritative Church to resolve competing interpretations, the Bible-alone Christian can find himself entering a surreal world of confusion. One Biblical doctrine is emphasized at the expense of another, and eventually the essential question becomes: What, precisely, must one believe for salvation?

Faith is a good and necessary start, but without love – as Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians – we are merely noisy gongs. Without love and repentance, and the assistance of God’s grace, we cannot attain heavenly glory. Scripture itself leads us to Divine Revelation, the Ten Commandments, the Sacraments, and prayer.

So by all means, kick your feet up with the Ignatius (or the Douay-Rheims) Bible on your lap. Read it. Pray it. But don’t forget to ask the question Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

Begin by going to Mass.

Article by Father Jerry J. Pokorsky is a priest of the Diocese of Arlington. He is pastor of St. Catherine of Siena parish in Great Falls, Virginia

Requirements quoted below in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe Chapter 11 settlement document (the non-monetary covenants)

Abuse Reporting Information

Independent Compliance Audit

Non-Monetary Covenants (full text)

Compliance Audit. ASF has engaged a law firm to serve as a consultant to conduct an independent audit of compliance with the Archdiocese’s reporting policies and procedures and to provide recommendations on child protection policies and procedures. … ASF Parties shall post such findings on their websites with one-click access from the website home pages.

Improved Reporting Mechanism. ASF Parties shall, through a prominent (“one click”) link on their websites, provide a phone number and email to which anonymous abuse complaints can be made.

As Catholics, we enjoy our own special calendar – the Catholic Liturgical Calendar – celebrating the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter as well as 33 to 34 weeks of Ordinary Time.

It’s a shame really, that it’s called ordinary, because it’s still filled with plenty of Feast Days and celebrations that are quite extraordinary! It’s also a great opportunity to establish Catholic family culture with fun crafts and activities that strengthen our love and knowledge of our Faith.

Ordinary Time need not be ordinary!

Throughout the year, the Mystery of Christ is revealed.  Beginning after the Feast of Our Lord’s Baptism, Ordinary Time focuses on Christ’s Baptism and then delves into His Preaching Ministry.  The Scriptural readings at Mass focus on Jesus’ Teaching through parables and His Miracles. Ordinary Time is intended to remind us that Jesus is with us throughout all of our daily trials and triumphs.  We should be striving to reflect Jesus’ Teaching with our actions every day. I like to think of Ordinary Time as a time to focus on Faith and family…brushing up on Catechism, building our repertoire of prayers, delving into Scripture and forming habits that can carry us through all the Seasons!

1. Bringing the Catechism to Life

There has been an explosion of Catholic companies and materials dedicated to teach Catechism in fun and inspiring new ways. Our Tradition and Faith are so rich! The Pope and various theologians and Doctors of the Church have, with the help of the Holy Spirit addressed every question we may have and the more we delve into Church Teaching, the more we learn… and seek to know more.

2. Inspiring Prayer in Kids

Within our Catholic Tradition and Faith, we have so many beautiful prayers and devotions! At each Mass, we restate the facts of our Faith, relive the Eucharist and strengthen our relationship with Jesus. We are called to be a people of prayer, studying the beautiful words in Scripture, meditating on the Mysteries of the Rosary and renewing the heartfelt prayers of the Saints. We are also invited to personal prayer. Jesus wants us to come to Him with our prayers from the heart, asking Him to walk with us and guide our steps. We need to nurture this prayer life at home, praying with our kids, letting them see us devote time to our spiritual life and encouraging them to turn to prayer on their own.

3. Get Enthused by the  Saints!

In addition to regular routines and the ordinary flow of family life, each day of the year presents another Saint; a hero in our Catholic Faith to learn from and yet another excuse to celebrate! These mentors, already having lived their lives and enjoying the Beatific Vision are still available to intercede on our behalf. We can ask them to pray for us…just as we ask a friend, a family member or a priest. The lives of the Saints are inspiring!

With so many distractions and less-than-exemplar influences in our society today, how awesome can it be for our kids to be awed and inspired by the Saints?! The Saints are portrayed in so many kid-friendly ways through dolls and movies and crafts: why not introduce them to your kids? Delve into the lives of the Saints, the challenges they faced and the virtues that made them wonderful witnesses to Christ. Let the Saints be holy heroes; compelling role models to guide our kids on their journey of Faith.

We don’t need to rely on memorization tests or fill-in-the-blank worksheets to teach Catechism and prayer or to explore the lives of the Saints. We can pass on our enthusiasm by sneaking Catholic teaching and culture into fun activities that kids already enjoy doing: crafts, artwork, altered classic board games, scrapbooking, journaling and even computer games and movies.

We can add special recipes, celebration activities and family traditions in honor of Feast Days and Seasons…the Catholic Liturgical Calendar certainly gives us many opportunities! Keep an eye out for upcoming articles as we showcase crafts, activities and traditions to teach the Catholic Faith throughout the Liturgical Calendar!

Check out Equipping Catholic Families ,paper craft printables, prayer crafts, classic games turned Catholic and Saint focused crafts.

Let’s make Ordinary Time an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate our Catholic Faith!

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San Clemente Parish in Los Lunas, NM is requesting bids from qualified contractors for the construction of a new Adoration Chapel located in what is now the parking lot of the San Clemente Parish. Bids are due on May 29, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Parish Office located at 244 Luna Avenue NE, Los Lunas, NM 87031. Phone Number; (505) 865-7385 Questions related to the information and/or requirements in the posting can be emailed to Project Manager Eric Zamora, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Questions shall be submitted no later than 72 hours before the close date of this posting. Questions submitted after the deadline may not be answered.

For this posting, “Offeror” refers to a company interested in proposing the opportunity to become a contractor. “contractor” refers to a company with a direct contracted relationship with San Clemente Parish and “ subcontractors” refers to companies that the contractor may contract with to perform various scopes of work under the opportunity.

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The Population Research Institute (pop.org) is a non-profit research group whose goals are to…

• expose the myth of overpopulation
• expose human rights abuses committed in population control programs
• make the case that people are the world’s greatest resource

Our growing global network of pro-life groups spans over 80 countries.

We are especially proud of the projects you've helped us complete this year—initiatives that have brought vital information to people like you who care deeply about these issues.

Among these are two new educational efforts to shed light on the overlooked (or purposefully hidden…) consequences of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and birth control. 

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):

There are ways to increase the birth rate–as the incoming Trump administration correctly wants to do–but IVF is not the way to do it.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) was a hot topic in 2024, but most people don’t understand how it works. They are unaware of the dozens of embryos that are routinely destroyed in the IVF procedure and the damaging physical and mental effects that IVF can have on couples. As insurance companies push for broader IVF coverage, more couples will be tempted to resort to it—without a clear understanding of its risks and consequences.

Anyone who may be tempted to go down the IVF road needs to read our report, “In Vitro Fertilization: The Process, Risks, and Consequences Explained.”

The Dark Side of Birth Control:

Powerful drugs should not be administered without informed consent, but millions of women and girls have been left in the dark when it comes to the serious side effects of oral hormonal birth control (“the Pill”). Years of taking the Pill can damage a woman’s physical and mental health, and even leave them infertile.  But few connect the problems affecting their bodies, their brains, and their overall sense of well-being with the steroid-based hormones they have been swallowing daily.

We will break down the widespread, often hidden, effects of birth control, in a three-part report and video series. The first, addressing the physical side effects, is called, “Breaking the Silence: The Dark Side of Birth Control’s Physical Impact.”

The pro-contraception and pro-abortion movement targets women, and their unborn babies, in many different ways, as you know, and an important part of our mission is to EXPOSE them by creating resources for you and for the general public.   

To get the facts about IVF: 

https://www.pop.org/in-vitro-fertilization-the-process-risks-consequences-explained/ 

To learn more about the dark side of birth control: 

https://www.pop.org/birth-control-pill-fact-sheet/ 

Take advantage of these links anytime! Share them with your family members or friends who want to educate themselves on the evil that the abortion lobby wants to push on our nation and the world at large. 

The fight for Life begins with education.

With your continued support, we will keep researching critical pro-life issues and sharing the truth with as many people as possible. 

https://www.pop.org/donate/eoy/

Thank you for your support of our efforts to stop the spread of abortion and defund population control programs. We have been “Putting People First” for more than thirty years now.  Our goal is to create a thriving Culture of Life at home and abroad.  

But if we save even one unborn life, it will have been well worth it.  

Read more here:  https://www.pop.org/weekly-briefing/

See video below or click on the Archdiocese of Santa  Fe Annual-Catholic Appeal-Foundation

Make your pledge here: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=sXceey