Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: 15 August

This feast links Mary's unique destiny with her role as the Mother of God. Her privilege is a sign and promise for all of the People of God.

The Gospel for 15 August is Luke 1:39-59 which includes Mary's jubilant song of praise. It's a mosaic of phrases from the Old Testament. It relates in particular to the song of Hannah at her son Samuel's birth. Luke presents Mary as bringing to fulfilment the long succession of Israel's "poor in spirit". She gathers their prayers together in one great hymn of blessing we call the Magnificat. We too can magnify the Lord by our prayer and action. 

Ideas for Parish resources for the Feast of the Assumption have been distributed to all parishes and schools by the NZCBC. Link to these ideas Here

Online Mass Saturday 15 Aug at 9am will be celebrated by Cardinal John Dew. This link Here

For other online Masses available on this feast day go to your diocesan websites.

The popular Māori hymn to Mary Ka Waiata by Richard Puanaki has several versions and scores available online. Here are two versions of this beautiful himene

Ka Waiata sung by St Joseph's Māori Girls choir 2012. Listen Here

Ka Waiata sung by the National Youth Choir Stop the Bus Tour 2018. Listen here

Article on the Assumption by Fr James Lyons printed in the WelCom. Read here

Sr Mary Lawrence (Julia Lynch) painted this beautiful picture of the Madonna. It's called Tangiwai ca. 1945. It is in Hiruharama, Whanganui River.

The main image on the slider depicts the Dormition of Mary. It is linked to the Ukrainian Catholic church. This photo was taken in Jerusalem in the crypt of the Church of the Dormition. It is a carved interpretation of Mary asleep made from ivory and wood of Mary - Theotokos (God-bearer).

A Samoan Prayer to Mary

Si o'u alofa oe,

Maria Tina paia,

O le Alo tasi lava o le Atua mamalu,

o le Atua mamalu.

Peace be with you,

Mary the holy Mother

Of the only son of the holy God,

of the holy God.