Pastor's Corner

2017 08-13 Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, Pray for Us.

Written by:

From our pastor Father Neil Herlihy
 
This Tuesday we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary. Our Catechism states that “the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death.” The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.

The Catholic publication, Catholic Herald; reported that Pope Francis stated, “Mary’s Assumption into heaven and, in fact, her entire life show believers the great things God has in store for them.  The great things the Almighty has done for her touch us deeply, speak of our journey through life and remind us of the destination that awaits us.” He also stated that the “Assumption of Mary is a sign to all believers that life is not a senseless wandering, but a pilgrimage that, although there are uncertainties and suffering, has a sure goal: the house of the Father, who awaits us with love.”

The following “PRAYER FOR THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY”, from Catholic Online; reflects the sentiments of Our Holy Father:

 
Father in heaven, all creation rightly gives you praise,
For all life and holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom she who bore the Christ
in her womb was raised body and soul
in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

The feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, and Catholics are obliged to attend Mass.  Here, at our Parish, we will have a Vigil Mass on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. and Masses at convenient times during the day on Tuesday.  Please check the Church bulletin or website for details.

As mentioned in the past, as a way to honor Mary, we are invited to participate in the Cenacle Rosary, which is prayed every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Bride’s Room. We may also choose to participate in the daily rosary which is prayed in our Adoration Chapel, Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m.

Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are challenged by Our Holy Father to keep our focus on loving and serving Jesus as we await His glorious return.

Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.

2017 04-09 The Penance Service and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
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