FRIDAY POTPOURRI: BLESSINGS OF THE YEAR

It is fairly common knowledge that the names we use for the months of year were largely named after the Roman gods. For example January is named after Janus, the god of doors. March is named after Mars, the god of war. July obtained its name from Julius Caesar, the emperor who took on god-like status.

Catholics in turn dedicated the months to certain holy personages to baptize them and to give us a time of year to reflect on certain aspects of our faith. This even plays a role liturgically as they can affect the musical selections if it is so desired. This is most commonly seen in May, the month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and often Marian hymns are more often sung during this month.

Here is a list of months at that to which they are traditionally dedicated:

January – The Holy Name of Jesus
February – The Holy Family
March – Saint Joseph
April – Blessed Sacrament
May – The Blessed Virgin Mary
June – The Sacred Heart
July – Precious Blood of Jesus
August – Immaculate Heart of Mary
September – Our Lady of Sorrows
October – Holy Rosary
November – Poor Souls
December – Immaculate Conception