September is the month of Our Lady of Sorrows, also called Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. This title focuses on Mary's intense suffering during the Passion of Her Son, Jesus. Father Chris Alar, MIC, explains why the feast, celebrated on Sept. 15, is one of the most popular Marian feasts in the Catholic Church, and notes its special connection to Our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda.

Fr. Chris reminds us that today — the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed — is one of the most important days of the Church year. Though it’s not a solemnity or feast, its spiritual weight is immense. Following the glory of All Saints Day, we now turn to the souls who still await their full union with God — the holy souls in Purgatory. Together, these three days — All Hallows Eve, All Saints, and All Souls — form what the Church calls Allhallowtide, or the “Triduum of Death.” It is not dark, but deeply merciful, because it reveals God’s justice and His love.

God wants us all to be saints but how could that be possible? Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, lets us know what it takes to become a saint (it might be easier than you think!) and then shares the story of Fr. Bryce Lungren, the Cowboy Priest of Wyoming, who has his own unique way of helping his congregation to become holy.