Solemnity: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Aotearoa New Zealand’s National Patronal Feast is on Tuesday 15 August. We celebrate the Assumption of Mary Mother of God because this illustrates for us the truth about Christ’s promise of eternal life and the resurrection of the faithful. The solemnity of the Assumption calls us to appreciate more deeply the dignity of the human body and its intimate link to our spirituality.
The gospel for this day highlights Mary's faith which enabled her to recognise the work of God in her people's history and in her own life. Her openness to God allowed God to work through her so that salvation might come to all. Mary is a model and symbol of the Church. May we be like Mary, open and cooperative in God's plan of salvation.
Readings of the Day
Rev 11:19, 12:1-6, 10 I saw a woman clothed with the sun and with the moon beneath her feet.
Psalm 44:10-12, 16 R. The queen stands at your right hand arrayed in gold.
1 Cor 15:20-26 As members of Christ all people will be raised, Christ first, and after him all who belong to Him.
Alleluia, alleluia! Mary is taken up to heaven, and the angels of God shout for joy. Alleluia.
Lk 1:39-56. The Almighty has done great things for me; he has lifted up the lowly.
Music
Mō Maria by Bishop Pompallier
Mō Maria aianei
O tātou waiata
Kia kaha rā tātou
Kia nui te aroha
Chorus
Mō maria aianei
O tātou waiata
Kia kaha rā tātou
Kia nui te aroha
Verse
Aroha ki te Atua
Aroha ki a Maria
I te Rangi,
te whenua
āke tonu, āke tonu.
Chorus
English translation
For Mary now, Our songs. Let us be strong. Let there be great love.
Love God, Love Mary. In heaven, And on earth, For ever and ever.
Ka waiata ki a Maria by Richard Puanaki
Ka waiata ki a Maria
Hine i whakaae,
whakameatia mai
he whare tangata.
Hine pūrotu,
hine ngākau,
hine rangimārie.
Ko te whāea,
ko te whāea o te ao (o te ao).
English translation
Sing of Mary who consented – be it done to me.
Handsome, heart-filled, peaceful woman. Mother of the world.
Traditional Prayers to Mary, Mother of God.
A prayer to Our Lady for protection through her patronage.
(Northern te reo version)
E oma ana mātou ki roto i tōu pā,
e te Hāta Matua o te Atua,
aua koe e whakakino ki ō mātou īnoinga
i ō mātou mate engari, whakaorangia mātou
āke āke i ngā mea mataku katoa,
e te Takakau i whakakorōriatia,
ā, i whakapainga.
Āmene.
A prayer to Our Lady for protection through her patronage.
(Southern te reo version)
E oma atu ana mātou ki ā koe,
e te Whāea tapu o te Atua,
hei piringa mō mātou: aua e whakakino mai
ki a mātou īnoi i ō mātou mate,
ēngari whakaorangia mātou i ngā mea whakamataku katoa,
e te Takakau i whakakorōriatia,
ā, i whakapaingia.
Āmene.
Compiled by Deacon Danny and Maru Karatea-Goddard March 2020
Image on the main slider. 'Ko Hāta Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua (Holy Mary, Mother of God).'
Damien Walker (2021)