On Saturday, 15 August the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this Feast, Catholics traditionally celebrate Mary going to heaven. The tradition is that ‘God took Mary, body and soul, to heaven after her life on earth had come to an end’.
There is little described of Mary in the Scriptures. What we do know, however, is that she was a woman of deep faith, trust and service. In the Gospel of Luke, we see Mary chosen by God to bring Christ into the world. She is with Jesus at his birth, nurtures him in childhood, is present during his ministry, witnesses his death, and stands with the early Church as it grows and proclaims the Good News. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary gives these words, which we call the Magnificat:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-49)
Mary is a source of inspiration to both the Marist Fathers and the Sisters of Mercy, the founders of our College. The Society of Mary, describe their mission as “in the spirit of Mary”. For Marists, Mary is the daily inspiration of their life and action. Foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley, told her sisters that they should always have the warmest and most affectionate devotion to Mary. Catherine told them to regard Mary in a special manner as their Mother and the great model they are called to imitate.
As a College that shares both the Marist and Mercy stories, we look to Mary as a role model in our everyday life. As we celebrate this Feast Day, we also ask the Blessed Mother of Mary to guide, protect and care for us, as well as teach us to have compassion for one another and significantly treat others how you yourself would like to be treated. Christ calls us to make this world a better place. Like Mary for her son Jesus, we are called to live a life of service to others, by both small and big actions.
The College will take the opportunity to celebrate this annual Feast Day on Friday, 28 August. This will begin with a Mass in the Harcombe Centre led by Fr John Girdauskas, and then followed by celebratory activities, with a BBQ organised by our SRC.
May the Lord bless you and have a happy Feast Day!
Mr Patrick Fabian
Director of Faith & Ministry
Brothers, what must we do?
A gathering of men called by the Australian Catholic Bishops
Online Program Saturday, 15 August 2020 beginning at 9.00am
www.catholicmensgathering.com.au
The ACBC National Men’s gathering for 2020 is being offered as an online event for registered participants. The program will be delivered in four pre-recorded sessions of approximately 1 hour in length. Each session will offer input from a variety of speakers and musicians, along with a response and questions for group discussion or individual reflection. The program will be powerful offering flexibility so that you may participate individually or gather with others from your parish or men’s ministry group. Live streaming of the conference will take place at Sacred Heart, Ulverstone. Contact Fr Mike Delaney on 0417 279 437 to register, or if wanting to participate alone then register online. There is no cost.
The aim is to inspire and encourage men with a vision for personal discipleship, service and mission in the family, parish, diocese and the world. Invite friends and other men from your Parish.
It is through the support of each other that we grow in confidence and courage in our faith and are able to tackle the storms that assail us in life.
One can either join for the live streaming at Sacred Heart, Ulverstone or if wanting to participate alone or gather with others from your Parish or men’s ministry group on/after 15 August. You must register either with Fr. Mike for online program at Ulverstone on 15 August or otherwise online at catholicmensgathering.com.au
For more information, kindly contact Paul Jacques on 6442 2330.
