Feast of the Assumption: 15 August

August 15 is one of the greatest feast days in the calendar of the Catholic Church, celebrating the Church's belief that at the end of her life on earth, the Virgin Mother of God was taken up, body and soul, into Heaven, where she is Mother of the Church as well as the Mother of God.

Scripture records her assent to the Angel to be the Mother of the Redeemer, her role in Jesus' first miracle at Cana, her faithful presence in his public ministry, at his death, and finally with the first Christians at Pentecost (Acts 1:14). Over 2000 years, she has protected the Church and showered believers with blessings, vindicating the words of the Magnificat, "Henceforth, all generations will call be blessed; for he that is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name" (Luke 1:48).

Prayer Intercessions

• We lift up our prayers to be one with the Blessed Mother who today was assumed into heaven:
• That the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, will guide and support all Church leaders with her maternal love.
• That all people will revere the sanctity of human life, and for an end to abortion and euthanasia.
• For blessings on children, especially those who are orphaned or abused.
• For the grace to live modestly and chastely.
• Eternal Word, you taught your mother Mary to choose the part that was best; let us follow her example and hunger for the food of everlasting life.

Loving Father, you have raised up the Blessed Virgin Mary to share in your communion of love. Accept us into that holy embrace through the sacrifice of our prayers. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Greetings to all of you on this Feast of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother!