Faith and Mission
Feast of the Assumption
August 15
On August 15, we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, one of only two Days of Holy Obligation in Australia; the other day is Christmas Day.
The Feast of the Assumption is one of the many feasts of Mary, originating from a sixth century feast of the Dormition or ‘Falling asleep of Mary’. By the seventh century the feast became known as the Assumption of Mary. The date of this feast commemorated a very ancient harvest festival towards the end of the northern hemisphere’s summer, which gave thanks to the Earth Mother for her fertility in producing the harvest.
The feast acquired a special status in 1950 when Pius XII defined the Assumption as a dogma of faith. In the wake of the human devastation of World War I and World War II, Pope Pius wanted to proclaim a teaching that would benefit and dignify all of humanity:
“It is to be hoped that from meditation on the glorious example of Mary ‘humanity’ may come to realize more and more the value of a human life entirely dedicated to fulfilling the will of the Heavenly Father and to caring for the welfare of others.”
Call to prayer: Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.
Mary accepted God wholeheartedly into her life. Let us open ourselves to God through a dedicated time of sacred reading.
Reading: A reading from the gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55)
Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
Reflection: This passage of scripture, commonly called The Magnificat, is a call for justice. What call for justice do you hear today that you are able to respond to?
From the silence in your heart, take a moment to pray …
Hail Mary, full of grace
The Lord is with you
Blessed are you among women
And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Pray for us sinners now
And at the hour of death. Amen.
Empowering God, Inspire us by the example of Mary’s openness to your Love. May we live in this attitude and bring to birth a new world! We make our prayer through Jesus Christ in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Assumption Day Mass at Mentone Campus
To fulfil the Church’s obligation to attend Mass on the Feast of the Assumption, our Mentone Campus hosted Mass for the entire College community. Fr Peter Matheson, PE, was our celebrant.
The readings, prayers and homily reminded us that we should take Mary as an example of one who trusts in God, no matter the cost. Her life of faith and service is an inspiration for all.
The themes of Faith, Service and Community were highlighted when we presented two particular student groups who have a focus on service - our 2024 Lasallian Youth Leaders and Service Tour Thailand.
Lasallian Youth Leaders
The Lasallian Youth Leaders and Year 11 Service Tour to Thailand Group embody these values through their commitment to Lasallian Service.
Inspired by the teachings of Jesus, the life witness of Mary his Mother, and the commitment of Saint John Baptist de la Salle to serve God by serving others, these students have continuously volunteered their time and talent as Lasallian Youth Leaders.
The Lasallian Youth Leaders, have responded to the call to serve our College and the wider community and have generously responded by assisting with the various Retreat programs, Mission Action Day, Vinnies Winter Drive and many other service and prayer activities.
Service Tour - Thailand 2024
Working for justice is a human call. Over the centuries, many people of faith have journeyed forth, leaving the comforts of home, to shine God’s love in places of disadvantage.
Such a place of disadvantage is Sangkhlaburi, Thailand, where the La Salle Learning School and the Bamboo School help support impoverished and displaced children.
It is here that, at the end of Term 3, our outreach volunteers - students and staff - will travel and participate in a host of activities, including tutoring, teaching English and organising recreational activities and events for schoolchildren, along with a land surfacing project. All the materials and expert labour required to make the project possible will be financed by the generous funds raised for Mission Action Day 2024.
The Service Tour to Thailand were blessed and commissioned as they make their final preparations for their departure on September 18 for the two week program. We look forward to sharing their updates and reports.
2025 Lasallian Volunteer Applications Now Open
The Lasallian Volunteer Program offers opportunities for young people wanting to gain invaluable experience in the education and social welfare sectors. This program is an experience of a lifetime. It is an opportunity for self-growth and independence to explore the wider world and to give back to those less fortunate.
Lasallian Volunteers offer placements in communities across Australia and New Zealand. Applications for Lasallian Volunteers 2025 are now open! This opportunity is ideal for those who want to answer YES to these questions:
- Want the opportunity of a lifetime?
- Want a gap year that is meaningful?
- Want to be part of a community that values and celebrates diversity?
Come chat to Brother Tony, Miss Greene, Kyle Goodwin or Liam Collins for more information.
Ria Greene
Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission