Feast of the Assumption – Spiritual Reflection
We celebrated the Feast of the Assumption on Thursday August 15.

Mary has played a significant role in the religious upbringing of many Australian Catholic migrants. She was and still is deeply intertwined with their family prayers and cultural identity.

Italians, for example, hold Mary in high regard, showing special devotion to her. In numerous villages during this season, processions featuring trumpets, percussion, and a statue of Mary are common. In Arena, Calabria, Italy, for instance, prayers and photographs are affixed to the Madonna statue as it makes its way to the main Piazza.

Questions often arise among non-Catholic acquaintances about why Catholics venerate Mary. Observers might perceive Catholics as elevating Mary to an almost divine status, placing her on par with Christ himself. Thomas Merton articulates this viewpoint, noting how some regard Mary's Assumption into heaven as a form of apotheosis akin to her Son's redemption.

Contrary to these perceptions, the teachings of the Church emphasise Mary's humility as her true greatness and majesty. Known as the "Handmaid of the Lord," Mary obediently fulfilled God's will in loving submission. Her profound acceptance allowed her to be an instrument of God's grace.
Her blessedness stems not from any mythical divine appointment but from her unwavering faith and simple & Yes to God's will, as illustrated in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).

As followers of Jesus, believers are intricately linked to Mary's narrative. Even after two millennia, they continue to reflect on how they respond to God's call, echoing Mary's humble obedience and faith.

Prayer

During this feast of the Assumption, may we draw closer to Jesus and to his glory by allowingourselves too to be humble instruments in our daily work, in our conversations, in our victories and in our struggles. All for the greatness of his Kingdom which we have a part in bringing to our world.

Amen

Feast of the St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – Spiritual Reflection

On August 8, we celebrated the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, and we paused again to consider her great legacy.
Mary is part of a trio who are very important to the Australian Catholic story: Mary MacKillop, St Joseph and Julian Tennison Woods. These three people experienced the disturbing presence of God. All three heard God’s call - a disturbing voice in the night, an invitation to act with courage, a relentless voice for the poor, a choice to make a difference.

How did they hear it and how did they create the space in their life to be aware of God’s disturbing presence? What was it that enabled them to stop, to notice, to ponder? And once experienced, how did they become a godly presence that disturbed others?

Working in Catholic education we are called to be people of hope and to realise the gift of our mission. But how do we do that? How do we take the time to stop, to notice, to ponder and to respond to the disturbing presence of God in our lives? How do we hear the invitation to make a difference, the same invitation that inspired St Joseph, Julian Tennison Woods and Mary MacKillop?

Our Catholic Social Teachings can provide a clue to this - they urge us to always see God in others, to value the importance of connection, to cut the chains of privilege and to stand up for the dignity of others. As Mary MacKillop said herself - “Let no obstacle deter us from proceeding with courage.” It is helpful to realise that sometimes ‘God the disruptor’ doesn’t tap us gently on the shoulder or whisper in our ear... sometimes the disruption is like having the rug pulled right out from under
us! However, such disruptions can lead us to joys we never anticipated and to fight important battles and achieve victories which we might have otherwise sidestepped.
So on this Feast of St Mary MacKillop, and in the days that follow, let us listen and respond to the disruptions with courage as Mary did. Let us realise that being a godly presence for others is notabout following certain rules, engaging in certain rituals, or believing certain creeds…it’s about accepting God’s invitation to make a difference and to encourage those around us to do the same.

The official theme for St Mary MacKillop’s feast day this year is “Be Fierce for Fair” - encouraging us to walk in Mary’s disruptive footsteps by being:
 * Fierce in the face of adversity
 *Fair and proactive when we see injustice
 * Loving to those we encounter each day

Prayer

God of the prophets you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage.
In her, we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly your gospel of love.
We pray for the sensitivity and imagination to read the signs of our times

and to articulate new possibilities for our own day.
Like Mary, may we learn to confront all that is oppressive and unjust,
and empower others towards true freedom and integrity.
Spirit of wisdom, be with us as we face new horizons.

Amen

First Reconciliation (2nd Reminder)
A number of friends in Year 3 have begun preparations for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation, at both The Immaculate Conception Parish in Unanderra and St Therese in West Wollongong. We wish these children all the best and we will certainly keep them in our prayers in the coming weeks.

Kind regards

Sam Mattas
Religious Education Co ordinator