Newsletter - 13 August 2023
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The 15 August is the solemnity of the Assumption of Mary.
“The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory [Pius XII, Munificentissimus Deus 44].”
This teaching was infallibly defined by Pope Pius XII on Nov. 1, 1950 in the bull Munificentissimus Deus (Latin, “Most Bountiful God”).
As Pius XII explained, this is “a divinely revealed dogma”.
Moreover, the scholastic Doctors have recognised the Assumption of the Virgin Mother of God as something signified, not only in various figures of the Old Testament, but also in that woman clothed with the sun whom John the Apostle contemplated on the Island of Patmos (Rev. 12:1ff). Similarly they have given special attention to these words of the New Testament: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women"(Luke 1:28), since they saw, in the mystery of the Assumption, the fulfillment of that most perfect grace granted to the Blessed Virgin and the special blessing that countered the curse of Eve [Munificentissimus Deus 27].
How can we apply this teaching to our everyday lives?
According to Pope Benedict XVI:
By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us either, and that if we live with our gaze fixed on eternal goods we will one day share in this same glory and the earth will become more beautiful. Consequently, we must not lose our serenity and peace even amid the thousands of daily difficulties. The luminous sign of Our Lady taken up into Heaven shines out even more brightly when sad shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the horizon. We may be sure of it: from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern, dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her motherly hand. Supported by awareness of this, let us continue confidently on our path of Christian commitment wherever Providence may lead us. Let us forge ahead in our lives under Mary's guidance
[General Audience, August 16, 2006].
Caterino Schifano
Pastoral Assistant
Focus of the Week
THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Tuesday 15 August
Mass will be at 11am and 7pm
MASSES ON SUNDAYS DURING AUGUST
Last year many of you expressed enjoyment in having a combined Mass in August on Sundays. Therefore, this year, we will once again have only one Mass at 10:00 am, followed by tea and coffee. This will be a great opportunity to mingle and get to know each other better.
There is also no children’s liturgy during the month.
ADORATION
There will be no Adoration during August.