There was a time when Catholics didn't simply notice the changing seasons; they prayed their way through them. The Ember Days are an ancient Church tradition dating back at least to the early centuries of Christianity. Four times each year, Catholics observed a Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with prayer, fasting, and abstinence.
The purpose was beautifully simple: thank God for the gifts of creation, ask His help in using them well, and remember those in need.
The September Ember Days traditionally arrive near the beginning of fall. In 2026, they fall on September 16, 18, and 19, making St. Hildegard's September 17 feast a particularly fitting bridge between them.
For people whose lives revolved around planting and harvest, these days made obvious sense. But they make just as much sense for the rest of us. We may not depend personally upon the harvest outside our window, but we still depend entirely upon God. And Ember Days can remind us to be grateful for the farmers and others whose work puts food on our tables each day.
Ember Days were also closely connected with the priesthood. Beginning in the early Church, ordinations were traditionally celebrated on Ember Saturdays. That makes these days a particularly good time to pray for priests and vocations.
The old obligation to observe Ember Days is no longer binding, but Catholics are certainly free to recover their spirit. It doesn't require an elaborate plan. Fast from something. Eat more simply. Give to someone in need. Pray for your priest. Thank God for the food on your table.
The seasons change whether we notice them or not. Ember Days give us a reason to notice. They also give us reason to pray for our priests, and this Personalized Priest Tumber is a way to honor your priest. Find yours today at The Catholic Company!
