On August 18th, Our Lady help of Christians, Parish Church in Lansdowne was graced with a vibrant and meaningful celebration of the Assumption of Mary, a significant event in the Archdiocesan calendar. The theme of this year’s celebration was: “Mary, Assumed into Heaven: Queen of Joyful Hope“. It was edifying to see many more participate in this event in comparison to previous years.
It started off with a rosary procession in the church grounds. The Knights of Da Gama carried a beautifully decorated statue of Our Lady, whilst members from various parishes took turns to lead the various decades of the glorious mysteries. Cardinal Stephen Brislin followed behind his flock. Our Patroness heeded our prayers and blessed us with good weather despite some early morning showers! As the congregation neared the entrance of the church one could hear the uplifting music of the parish band and see our liturgical dancers standing as a guard of honour on either side of the entrance. They were gracefully dressed in white dresses with blue sashes and their presence was a fitting welcome to our Patroness carried so reverently into the church.
Year of Prayer
This event was preceded by a nine-day online novena that fostered a spiritual preparation and anticipation of this Patronal Feast among many participants. The celebration’s focus was threefold: to unite ourselves with the Holy Father’s call to prayer in preparation for the jubilee 2025; to express gratitude for the blessings received over the past year especially with regards to our peaceful national elections and to foster a joyful hope amidst all the challenges that assail us. We wanted to be the forerunners as ‘pilgrims of hope!’
Shirley Hendricks provided a thoughtful reflection on how important it is to take time for prayer. She recounted a devastating accident which took place on Mother’s Day in May and which claimed three lives. Shirley and her husband were witnesses to this accident and she shared the importance of being connected to God throughout the day. Her message reminded us of God’s grace and protection in our lives.
Prayers for our country
Various petitions pertaining to the needs of our country and archdiocese were read whilst a candle of hope was lit simultaneously and placed at the feet of our Patroness. These included prayers for the church, clergy, laity and vocations, as well as broader societal issues such as unity in diversity, ongoing conflicts, and struggles with crime and drug abuse. This display of burning candles emblazoned with HOPE written across them served as a powerful visual reminder of our faith in God’s providence and our invincible collective hope.
The archdiocesan liturgical dancers enhanced the celebration with their inspiring and graceful homage to our Patroness as they performed a beautifully choreographed dance to “As I kneel before you”. Even our Cardinal paid tribute to their dancing!
Cardinal Brislin delivered a short homily, reflecting on the theme of the Assumption. He spoke about the inherent dignity of every human person and the hope that Mary’s Assumption symbolises. His message resonated with the theme of prayerful hope, urging everyone to embrace moments of prayer and reflection. He made us aware that despite all the challenges we needed to see the many blessings we have received and that we should foster a spirit of gratitude.
A key moment for many was the benediction. Also, when we were gathered together with our Cardinal, caught up in silent adoration of the Blessed Sacrament we experienced something very profound. In that peaceful silence, all the hopes and longings of the congregation could be placed before the Blessed Sacrament. Our Lord was with us! It was a time of prayerful and spiritual unity.
Filled with Gratitude
Such a celebration was only possible thanks to the efforts of many individuals: the organisers, those who beautifully prepared the church, the parish band, the dancers, and the various parish members who led us in prayer. A special tribute must be made to Francis Boulle, who dedicated many years to promoting these Patronal celebrations. Though he passed away earlier this year, we are deeply grateful for the legacy he has left us and which we as Schoenstatt Family continue to promote in the Archdiocese.
Sr. Ann-Marie & Sr. M. Connie