News from our Assistant Principal of Religious Education, Identity and Mission
On Thursday 15th of August, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady. This Solemnity is the oldest celebration of Our Lady and is a Holy Day of obligation. The original celebration, known as the “Memory of Mary” or “Falling Asleep” of Mary for it initially centered on the end of her earthly existence, is commonly known as her “dormition.” Soon the name was changed to the “Assumption of Mary,” as there was much more to the feast than the end of her earthly life. The belief that Mary had been taken up, body and soul, into heaven dates to the Apostles.
Mary was a strong, honourable woman, who was faithful to God. She spent her whole life serving God - being the Mother of Jesus, raising Him, believing in Him, and with Him at His death on the Cross. The Assumption marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. She is crowned as the Queen of Heaven and is seated at His right hand. Mary takes care of the whole Church and everyone who asks her to intercede.
While the Blessed Virgin has entered into heavenly glory, Pope Francis states “this does not mean that She is distant or detached from us; the Assumption should bring eternal hope to the faithful… May we not be robbed of hope, because this strength is a grace, a gift from God which carries us forward with our eyes fixed on heaven. Mary is always there… she accompanies them, suffers with them, and sings of hope with them and brings victory over death.”
You are invited to attend this Solemnity of the Assumption of Our Lady, as it is a Holy Day of Obligation in our parish Mary Mother of the Church Macquarie Fields at 9am and 7pm, or your local parish.
I ready myself for the upcoming fight.
With coffee steaming, dark and bold,
A sip of courage in a cup of gold.
Tea beside it, soothing and warm,
A gentle whisper in my study storm.
A stress ball squeezed with every sigh,
Releasing tension as the hours fly by.
Chocolate nearby, a sweet delight,
A tiny comfort in the endless night.
A lolly unwrapped, a sugary cheer,
To chase away the lingering fear.
A St. Francis prayer card, humble and true,
Offering peace in all I do.
A motivating quote pinned on the wall,
Inspiring strength whenever I fall.
A trusty pen, ink flowing free,
Writing dreams of what will be.
Tissues close, for tears unshed,
Catching worries in a paper bed.
Post-its bright, ideas anew,
Reminders of all I have to do.
In this arsenal, I find my way,
To conquer exams and seize the day.
