September 8th was the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birthday.  I would’ve liked to write a post for her birthday, but we were in Connecticut. My sister joined the Sisters of Life that day!  The entrance ceremony was held at the sisters retreat house, Villa Maria Guadalupe. I’ll be posting all about it in more detail.

Today, Sept. 12 is dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Mary. The most beautiful female name in the world…the name of the Mother of God. Miryãm (Hebrew) means ‘lady’ or ‘sovereign’.

In 1683, Vienna was under siege by the Muslim Turks. The Turks outnumbered the Christian troops and threatened to invade Europe. Polish King John Sobieski III entrusts Vienna to the intercession of Our Lady…on September 12 his troops were victorious. And so Pope Innocent XI extended it to the whole Church.

In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal.

— Saint Bernard of Clairvaux