September 14

In September 1226, a group of French canons established the first perpetual adoration of the Eucharist in Avignon. Devotees maintained continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament day and night without interruption. This practice reflected growing medieval devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The Avignon community’s dedication inspired similar perpetual adoration chapels across Europe. It became a lasting tradition within Catholic spirituality, emphasizing prayer, reflection, and communal worship. Over centuries, perpetual adoration has been adopted by religious orders and lay faithful worldwide. This milestone event underscored the evolving liturgical life of the Church in the High Middle Ages.

Founded by Bishop Hugh Gore in September 1682, Bishop Gore School opened its doors in Swansea, Wales. It provided classical education to boys of the region, emphasizing Latin, Greek, and theology. As one of the earliest schools in Wales, it played a key role in shaping local education standards. Over centuries, the institution expanded its curriculum to include sciences and modern languages. Alumni have gone on to contribute significantly in public service, academia, and the arts. Today, Bishop Gore School continues its legacy as a prominent comprehensive school. Its founding remains a milestone in Welsh educational history.

Three days after the September 11 attacks, on September 14, 2001, a National Prayer Service was held at Washington National Cathedral, attended by world leaders, clergy, and survivors. The ceremony featured prayers, scripture readings, and hymns from multiple faith traditions, symbolizing unity and healing. Concurrently, Canada's Parliament Hill hosted its largest vigil ever, as thousands gathered in solidarity to mourn and remember the victims. These events provided communal spaces for grief, reflection, and hope amid tragedy. They underscored the power of ritual in national healing and the bonds between North American neighbors. The services remain poignant reminders of collective resilience in the face of terrorism.

On September 14, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her coffin was taken from Buckingham Palace and placed on a gun carriage of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. A solemn procession carried her remains along The Mall and the Victoria Embankment to Westminster Hall. Thousands of mourners lined the streets, and a continuous queue of people formed along the River Thames to pay their respects. The lying-in-state ceremony marked the start of four days of public homage. This historic event reflected the nation’s deep reverence for Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.