Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Pope Francis, on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, last year referred to the day when man set foot on the moon, he said a phrase that became famous: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”. He went on to explain that in essence, humanity had reached a historical goal. But Pope Francis explained that, in Mary’s Assumption into Heaven, we celebrate an infinitely greater conquest.
"The Madonna has set foot in paradise: she went there not only in spirit, but with her body as well, with all of herself. This step of the lowly Virgin of Nazareth was the huge leap forward for humanity". Pope Francis
He further explained that "With God, nothing is lost! In Mary, the goal has been reached and we have before our eyes the reasons why we journey: not to gain the things here below, which vanish, but to achieve the homeland above, which is forever. And Our Lady is the star that guides us. She went there first. She, as the Council teaches, shines “as a sign of sure hope and solace to the People of God during its sojourn on earth” (Lumen gentium, 68).
On Monday in the Gospel the first thing Mary says is: “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Lk 1:46). We have often become used to hearing these words, and we possibly, no longer pay close attention to their meaning. Pope Francis says, "To 'magnify' literally means 'to make great', to enlarge. Mary 'aggrandises' the Lord, not problems, which she did not lack at the time, but the Lord. How often, instead, we let ourselves be overwhelmed by difficulties and absorbed by fears! Our Lady does not, because she puts God as the first greatness of life. From here the Magnificat springs forth, from here joy is born not from the absence of problems, which come sooner or later, but joy is born from the presence of God who helps us, who is near us. Because God is great. And, above all, God looks on the lowly ones. We are His weakness of love: God looks on and love the lowly".
During these current challenging times, we are reminded in Pope Francis words to ask ourselves - do we remember to praise God? Do we thank Him for the great things He does for us? For every day that He gives us, because He always loves us and forgives us, for His tenderness?
Pope Francis further explained that, if we forget the good, our hearts shrink. But if, like Mary, we remember the great things that the Lord does, if at least once a day we were to “magnify” Him, then we would take a great step forward. He reminds us to at least one time during the day to say: “I praise the Lord”, to say, “Blessed be the Lord”, which is a short prayer of praise. This is praising God. With this short prayer, our hearts will expand, joy will increase. Let us ask Our Lady, the Gate of Heaven, for the grace to begin each day by raising our eyes to Heaven, toward God, to say to Him: "Thank you!”.
Let us invoke Mary's intercession for all the situations in the world that are most in need of hope for peace and justice and for the courage to live a dignified life.
Catholic Regional College North Keilor 40 Year Anniversary
On Thursday 11 August, I had the pleasure of attending Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral to celebrate 40 years since the establishment of Catholic Regional College North Keilor. It was wonderful to see the CRC Federation founder, Fr John O’Reilly present at the Mass as well as Fr Maurie Cooney concelebrate mass with Archbishop Peter Comensoli.
The vision of these pioneering priests and our local parish priests in the past 40 years has enabled Catholic education to flourish in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Victorian Principals Conference
I recently attended the Principals Association of Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools (PAVCSS) conference held in Healesville. The theme for the conference was 'Church Renewal'. Professor John Warhust was the keynote speaker addressing the following topics:
- The Plenary Council
- The Church in Australia
- The Universal Church - Pope Francis and Synodality
- Church Governance and Leadership.
There was rich dialogue and discussion amongst the Principals, and it was certainly a key learning experience for all conference attendees.
BIKE/SCOOTER HELMETS
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR LOCAL POLICE
This is a reminder that all users of bikes and scooters (including the motorised versions) MUST wear helmets unless exempt. We have had concerns raised by members of our community, and it is quite apparent that residents have become complacent regarding these laws.
Mandatory bicycle helmet laws were introduced in July 1990. This applies when riding:
- on roads and road-related areas
- on bike and shared paths
- in bike lanes
- in recreational parks
- in car parks
- on footpaths.
Police can stop bike and scooter riders and issue a fine or a warning for not wearing
The current fine for this offence is $231.
an approved bicycle helmet.
Research indicates that bike helmets greatly reduce the risk of head injuries, which are the major cause of death and injury to bike riders.
- Bicycle helmets reduce the chances of a serious head injury by almost 70 %
- Two years after introducing bicycle helmet laws in 1990 a 23% reduction in head injuries in Victoria.
This is a significant safety issue, and we encourage you all to look after yourselves, family, and friends.