Thursday 15 August

the ASSUMPTION of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Patronal Feast for Aotearoa New Zealand

Apocalypse 11:19, 12:1-5,10, Ps.45, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, Luke 1:39-56

Mary Assumed into heaven, pray for Aotearoa New Zealand

We speak of Mary as like the moon, shining only the reflected light of Christ. Her bodily assumption into heaven shines the sure hope and promise of bodily resurrection for us. Paul VI said, “Devotion to Mary…recalls her unceasing and efficacious intercession which, although she is assumed into heaven, draws her close to those who ask her help, including those who do not realize they are her children” (1974). Today we gratefully honour Mary shining with the light of Christ. Ask her gentle guidance for those in darkness and her intercession for the country. ‘Awe e Maria, inoi koe mo matou’.