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Dear Friends in Christ,
This Monday, August 15, is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body, and soul into heaven. While the obligation to attend Mass is dispensed, because of its proximity to Sunday, we will gather to celebrate the Assumption at our usual Monday 9:00 am Mass. This special commemoration of Mary is also about us as Irish priest Fr. Billy Swan reminds us:
Mary’s Assumption takes us back to the future and urges us never to forget the destiny of the journey we are making as earthly pilgrims. Mary assumed into heaven is a window of beauty in which we see our entire existence transfigured and radiant with God’s glory – something which is already true in the present and will be consummated in the future. The Assumption is an inspiration for us to protect human rights and defend human dignity, especially for those who are in danger of their futures being taken away through violence or neglect. In every age and time, dark forces try to reduce the dignity of the human person or convince Christianity that her insistence on the sacredness of human life is too high. The Assumption of Mary holds before us again, the awesome truth of what the Gospel teaches and the awesome dignity to which God has raised humanity.
This solemnity is an opportunity for us to offer a “Happy Feast Day” greeting to our friends at neighboring Assumption Parish. They are blessed by the presence of many faith-filled, generous Catholics and also by the dedicated ministry of their pastor Fr. Oliver Duggan who has served the parish for over twenty years. St. Bridget’s was formed out of the boundaries of Assumption and our parishes are in close proximity to each other. We share a deep bond with them through our co-sponsorship of Assumption-St. Bridget School, as well as a joint conference of the St. Vincent de Paul Society outreach to the poor and needy in our area. Prayers and best wishes to our brothers and sisters at Assumption Parish!
Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us! Live Jesus in our hearts…forever!
Fr. William Heric, Pastor