Simple Pleasures: A Blessed Morning

My Labor Day Monday began in the quiet hours before most had risen, when the streets still belonged to the early birds as the first light kissed the earth. Beneath a vibrant mackerel sky, the warmth of the sun on my skin and the cool wind on my face were small blessings from God.

The morning unfolded with an espresso and fresh cornetto at my local caffè, where I chatted with the barista about the weekend’s Serie A matches. From there, I stopped by the bakery for warm bread, the cheese shop for fresh mozzarella, and finally the salumeria for olives, peppers, and other antipasti to share later at our family luncheon. Along the way, I greeted familiar faces, exchanged pleasantries, and was reminded that life’s richest joys are often the simplest.

God Bless you all, Happy Labor Day.

Saint of the Day for September

(L-R) Santa Rosalia, San Gennaro, and The Madonna Addolorata

September is traditionally dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, whose feast is celebrated on September 15th.

• The first Sunday of September is the Feast Day of the Madonna Nera del Sacro Monte

• The second Sunday of September is the Feast of Santa Fortunata

• September 1 — Buon Capodanno Bizantino 

• September 1 — Feast of Sant’Egidio 

• September 2 — Feast of the Holy Martyrs of September 

• September 3 — Feast of St. Pius X 

• September 4 — Feast of Santa Rosalia 

• September 4 — Feast of Santa Candida di Napoli 

• September 7 — Feast of Santa Regina

• September 8 — Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna del Tindari 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna of Piedigrotta 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna di Ripalta 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna dei Martiri 

• September 8 — Feast of the Madonna della Stella 

• September 8 — Feast of Our Lady of Covadonga

• September 9 — Feast of San Gorgonio 

• September 10 — Feast of St. Nicolas Tolentino 

• September 10 — Novena to San Gennaro 

• September 10 — Feast of St. Pulcheria

• September 11 — Novena to Sant’Eustachio 

• September 11 — A Prayer for the Victims of 9/11

• September 12 — Feast of the Holy Name of Mary 

• September 12 — Feast of the Madonna del Lauro 

• September 12 — Feast of the Madonna di Montevergine 

• September 14 — Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 

• September 15 — Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Madonna Addolorata 

• September 16 — Feast of Saints Cornelius and Cyprian 

• September 17 — Feast of San Benedetto il Moro

• September 17 — Feast of the Stigmata of San Francesco d’Assisi 

• September 18 — Feast of San Sabino 

• September 19 — Feast of San Gennaro 

• September 19 — Feast of Our Lady of La Salette 

• September 20 — Feast of Santa Candida 

• September 20 — Feast of Sant’Eustachio Martire 

• September 21 — Feast of San Matteo 

• September 22 — Feast of St. Maurice and Companions 

• September 23 — Feast of Padre Pio 

• September 24 — Feast of the Madonna della Misericordia 

• September 24 — Novena to St. Thérèse of Lisieux

• September 25 — Feast of San Firmino di Amiens 

• September 26 — Feast of San Nilo di Rossano 

• September 27 — Feast of Saints Cosimo and Damiano 

• September 28 — Feast of San Venceslao I 

• September 29 — Feast of the Dedication to St. Michael 

• September 30 — Venerable Alfred Pampalon 

• September 30 — Feast of Sant’Amato di Nusco 

• September 30 — Feast of San Girolamo 

La Madonna dell Grazie at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Hackensack, New Jersey