Dear Parents and Caregivers
This Saturday we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This feast originated in a sixth century feast of the Dormition or ‘Falling asleep of Mary’. By the seventh century the feast became known as the Assumption of Mary. The date of this feast commemorated a very ancient harvest festival towards the end of summer, which gave thanks to the Earth Mother for her fertility in producing the harvest.
The feast of the Assumption commemorates the glorification of Mary, chosen by God, to be the mother of Jesus the Christ. The feast acquired a special status as a feast of Mary when Pius XII in 1950 defined the assumption as a dogma of faith. On this feast day we are encouraged to affirm our humanity and work to enhance the dignity of people as daughters and sons of God. (from Stories and Seasons: Saints and Feasts for Catholic Schools and Parishes by Kevin Treston)
The Magnificat in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 1:46-55) is Mary’s Song of Praise and Justice. It is the reading we hear as the Gospel reading on the day. This link will take you to The Magnificat recited by women.
Mary is indeed blessed among women. The implications have great impact for us and especially for women. In her acceptance of God’s desire, Mary changed the face of human history! If God worked through one woman to express such great and saving love, God can continue to work through other women (and men) in the same way to heal the earth today!
How can we develop the feminine qualities of receptivity and self-giving in our everyday lives?
What difference would it make to our families, our society, our world, if women and men were to consciously develop the qualities of openness and intuitive listening to their lives?
Donations for St Vincent de Paul
Thank you to all families for their generous donations of canned soups and vegemite to support St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.
The Magnificat (Luke 1: 46 – 55)
My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name;
And His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear Him.
He has shown might with His arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.
God bless
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Photo: William Street Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop Feast Day Mass, Monday 10 August 2020.
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