TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | SEPTEMBER 8, 2026

TUESDAY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME | YEAR A | SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/tuesday-of-the-twenty-third-week-in-ordinary-time-year-a-september-8-2026/

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-8th/

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

MEMORIAL OF SAINT ADRIAN OF NICOMEDIA, MARTYR; AND SAINT CORBINIAN, BISHOP

HISTORY OF THE SAINTS SERIES ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL | https://www.youtube.com/@dailyreflectionswithphilomena

👉🏾 Watch the YouTube Video of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Adrian and Saint Corbinian Here | https://youtu.be/Ff1LEzs5DTM?si=XLe-vtYd5fSTQtfW

History of the Saints | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | September 8, 2026 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-september-8-2026/

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Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church celebrates the joyous Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the dawn of our salvation and the birth of the morning star that preceded the Sun of Justice, Christ our Lord. In the Gospel genealogy, we trace the long line of human history that culminated in the miraculous, grace-filled conception of Our Lady, who became the vessel for Emmanuel—”God with us.” Today, we also honor Saint Adrian of Nicomedia, a Roman guard who was so moved by the steadfast faith of imprisoned Christians that he converted, suffered horrific torture, and was martyred alongside his wife Saint Natalia, and Saint Corbinian, a courageous 8th-century French bishop and hermit who fearlessly proclaimed God’s truth in Bavaria and evangelized Germany. Inspired by Our Lady’s humble “yes” and the heroic courage of these saints, let us open our hearts wide to welcome Christ into our lives today.

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY’S HOLY MASS:

Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reading 1: Micah 5:1-4a (or Romans 8:28-30)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 13:6ab, 6c
Gospel: Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23 (or Matthew 1:18-23)

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

“She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

“The Book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham… Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.'”

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS

Today, the Church celebrates the joyous Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the dawn of salvation history that preceded the birth of our Savior. In the Gospel genealogy, we trace the long, winding lineage of Christ through Abraham, David, and generations of human history, culminating in the miraculous conception of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Mary’s birth was the morning star announcing the rising of the Sun of Justice. Chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Redeemer, her coming into the world brought profound joy to heaven and earth, signaling that God’s long-awaited promise to dwell among His people—Emmanuel, “God is with us”—was finally coming to fruition.

In the First Reading from Micah, the prophet foretells that from humble Bethlehem, too small among the clans of Judah, shall come forth the ruler whose origin is from of old, who shall shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord and be our lasting peace. Mary is the daughter of Zion, the virgin womb foretold who would bring forth the One whose greatness reaches to the ends of the earth. The Responsorial Psalm captures the spirit of this great feast with words of deep jubilation: “With delight I rejoice in the Lord; let my heart rejoice in your salvation.” Saint Paul reminds us in the alternative reading from Romans that all things work for good for those who love God, tracing the divine chain of foreknowledge, calling, justification, and glory that finds its supreme human exemplar in Mary.

Today’s feast invites us to honor Our Lady’s birth as a beacon of hope and a profound reminder of God’s meticulous care in preparing the way for our redemption. Just as Mary was created full of grace to welcome the Word made flesh, we are called to open our hearts wide to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, allowing Christ to be born anew in our daily lives.

How can you welcome Christ more fully into your heart today, mirroring Mary’s humble and unreserved “yes” to God’s plan? What anxieties or fears can you surrender to Our Lady’s gentle intercession, trusting that God is truly with you?

Heavenly Father, with great delight we rejoice in You as we celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dawning of our salvation. Thank You for choosing her to be the mother of Your Son and the gentle mother of all believers. Through her powerful intercession, cleanse our hearts from sin, fill our souls with Your grace, and renew our trust in Your divine providence. May we, like Mary, carry Christ into our world through lives of faithful obedience, profound humility, and selfless love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

SAINTS OF THE DAY | SEPTEMBER 8TH:

Direct link to the detailed history of the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Adrian and Saint Corbinian | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-september-8th/

THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: The Church celebrates Mary’s birth nine months after her Immaculate Conception, marking the beginning of God’s saving plan being fulfilled in Christ. The earliest tradition links this feast to Jerusalem, at the Basilica of St. Anne, believed to be built on the site of Mary’s birth.

According to tradition and the Protoevangelium of James, Mary was born to Saints Joachim and Anne, an elderly, childless couple of the royal line of David. Their prayers and fasting were answered by God through the gift of a daughter chosen to be the Mother of the Savior. The angel’s prophecy to Anne “All generations shall honor your child” was fulfilled when Mary was born without stain of original sin, preserved by God’s grace to be the pure vessel for Christ.

Mary’s birth is a cosmic turning point. Saint Augustine called it a prelude to the birth of Christ, the “flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley.” Through Mary, the curse of Eve is undone, and the hope of salvation begins to shine. Her birth is one of only three celebrated by the Church (along with that of Jesus and John the Baptist), reminding us of her unique role in salvation history.

As we rejoice in Mary’s nativity, we remember that her life was entirely oriented to God. Through her fiat, she became Mother of Jesus, Mother of the Church, and Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her birth was the dawn of redemption, her life the perfect model of holiness, and her intercession our comfort and refuge.

Prayer to Our Lady
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.🙏🏾

The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen 🙏🏾

PRAYER: God of all goodness, grant us the grace that as we celebrate the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dawn of salvation, we may walk in the light of Christ her Son and obtain peace for the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏾

Happy Birthday, dearest Mother Mary! We love you and ask your prayers for us.🙏🏾

SAINT ADRIAN OF NICOMEDIA, MARTYR (d. 306): St. Adrian was once a Roman officer under Emperor Galerius Maximian. Witnessing the courage of persecuted Christians in Nicomedia, he was so moved that he publicly professed faith in Christ. For this, he was imprisoned and cruelly tortured. His wife, St. Natalia, already a Christian, encouraged him to remain steadfast. Adrian was martyred by having his limbs severed and finally being beheaded. His heroic faith and witness made him one of the most revered military saints of Europe. He is patron of plague victims, soldiers, guards, and butchers.

PRAYER: Saint Adrian, courageous witness of Christ, help us to stand firm in faith even in the face of trials. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT CORBINIAN, BISHOP (670–730): Born in France, St. Corbinian lived as a hermit before being appointed bishop and missionary to Bavaria by Pope Gregory II. Tradition recounts that a bear killed his horse on his way to Rome, and he commanded the bear to carry his load symbolizing the power of grace to tame what is wild. As bishop of Freising, he preached boldly, opposed unlawful marriages, and spread the Gospel despite persecution. He is honored as the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, Germany.

PRAYER: Saint Corbinian, faithful shepherd, intercede for bishops and priests, that they may serve with courage and holiness. Amen 🙏🏽

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Adrian and Saint Corbinian ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾

HONORING THE SAINTS OF THE DAY:
Alongside the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Adrian, and Saint Corbinian, we also honor: SAINT ADELA, BLESSED ANTHONY OF ST. BONAVENTURE, SAINT DISIBOD, BLESSED DOMINIC OF NAGASAKI, SAINT EUSEBIUS, BLESSED JAMES FAYASHIDA, BLESSED JOHN INAMURA, BLESSED JOHN TOMAKI, SAINT KINGSMARK, BLESSED LAWRENCE JAMADA, BLESSED LEO KOMBIOGI, BLESSED LOUIS NIFAKI, SAINT LOUIS OF OMURA, BLESSED MARIA EUTIMIA, BLESSED MATTHEW ALVAREZ, BLESSED MICHAEL JAMADA, BLESSED MICHAEL TOMAKI, SAINT NESTOR, SAINT PAUL AYBARA, BLESSED PAUL TOMAKI, SAINT ROMANUS AYBARA, BLESSED THOMAS OF ST. HYACINTH, BLESSED THOMAS TOMAKI, AND SAINTS TIMOTHY & FAUSTUS. May their faithful lives inspire our own journey today.

PRAYER INTENTION: FOR OUR BLESSED MOTHER’S INTERCESSION, COURAGEOUS FAITH, AND PURITY OF HEART

Heavenly Father, with great delight we rejoice in You on this glorious feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thank You for blessing the world with her birth, preparing a spotless sanctuary for the Incarnation of Your divine Son. Through the intercession of Our Lady, we pray for purity of heart, deep trust in Your providence, and the grace to carry Christ into our world. Through the prayers of Saint Adrian of Nicomedia, grant us unshakeable courage to stand firm in our faith amidst trials, persecution, and opposition. Through the intercession of Saint Corbinian, strengthen all bishops, missionaries, and church leaders to proclaim Your truth boldly and defend the moral law without fear. Mary, Mother of God and our gentle mother, pray for us and bring our petitions before your Son. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Adrian, Saint Corbinian, and all the Saints we celebrate today ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2026: FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER: For the care of water. Let us pray for a just and sustainable management of water, a vital resource, so that everyone may have equal access to it.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER | MONTH OF OUR LADY OF SORROWS: September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, inviting us to unite our hearts with Mary in her profound sharing of Christ’s Passion. As Simeon foretold, “a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35), and throughout her life Mary endured deep sorrows that culminated at Calvary. In her silent strength and unwavering faith, she became the compassionate Mother of all Christians, offering her suffering with Christ for the salvation of the world.

This month, the Church calls us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary: Simeon’s prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless Body, and placing Him in the tomb. By reflecting on these sorrows, we learn patience in trials, compassion for the suffering, and a deeper love for Jesus who suffered for us.

Prayers such as the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, the Rosary of Our Lady of Sorrows, and the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows help us to walk with Mary in her suffering and to discover hope and consolation in her maternal heart.

“Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, teach us to stand with you at the Cross, sharing in Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.”

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen 🙏🏾

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/month.cfm?y=2026&m=9

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Jesus, I trust in you! Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

A Guide to Catholic Prayer & Faith Resources: Prayers, Devotions, Teachings, and the Liturgical Year | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-prayer-faith-resources/

Catholic Mission & Witness: Foundations, Media Features, Global Outreach and Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-mission-witness-foundations-media-features-and-global-outreach/

DAILY PRAYERS: St. Michael the Archangel Prayer; Angelus Prayer; and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/st-michael-the-archangel-prayer-angelus-prayer-and-the-chaplet-of-divine-mercy-prayer-2/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org/

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/