August - A Month of Feasts

As the month of August rolls around, many minds begin to anticipate what is coming at the end of the month: the end of summer holidays, the beginning of school, the hint of a change in the weather due to cooler temperatures. At the same time, August is a time to be savored and appreciated. This month is marked by beautiful feast days on the Church’s calendar: the Feasts of the Transfiguration of the Lord, the Assumption of Our Lady, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Vianney, Pope St. Pius X and the Passion of St. John the Baptist, just to mention a few. They are like oases in a desert of ordinary, day-to-day activity and anticipated responsibilities. These feast days should be a reminder to us to take a day or two for ourselves to spend in quiet prayer before the rush of the Fall is upon us. Our days of quiet prayer should become our “feast days”, our oases.
 
So, how do we plan these oases?

• Take a look at the calendar and ascertain when you may carve out a day or two, or even a morning, or afternoon, or evening.
• Look for a place where you can be alone and quiet—perhaps a part of your own home, or a retreat house, or a friend or relative’s home.
• Take with you some basic devotional material to help focus your prayer—a small crucifix, a picture or icon of Our Lady, a rosary, a bible, and a book of prayers or some spiritual book.
• Leave computers and iPads at home and silence your phone if you bring it with you.
• Enter into your time of quiet and prayer with your eyes fixed on the Lord and with the support of the intercession of the Mother of God and the saints.
• Ask for the grace to be able to rest in the love of Christ and to unite your heart with His Sacred Heart.

My friends, choose a day or two and make them “your feast days” in August. Be inspired by the amazing feast days of the month and open your heart to the Lord as you allow His love to come to you in your place away from the noise and busyness of life.
 
Most Reverend William J. Waltersheid
Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh