Presider’s Page for 15 August (Assumption of the BVM)
Note: This feast originated in Jerusalem before the fifth century as the “Falling-Asleep of the Mother of God.” It was adopted in Rome in the mid-seventh century and was renamed the “Assumption” in the next century. It celebrates Mary’s passing over, body and soul, from this world into the glory of her risen Son.
SONGS for Today’s Mass: ‘When Creation Was Begun’; ‘Hail Queen of Heaven’; any version of the Magnificat.
Opening Comment
We worship God who brought Mary to the glory of heaven this day. We celebrate her Assumption, the tangible reminder that the resurrection of Jesus brings victory over death for all who believe.
Penitential Rite
To prepare ourselves to celebrate this great feast, let us call to mind our sins: (pause)
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace: Lord, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Son of God and Son of Mary: Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus, you are Word made flesh and splendour of the Father: Lord, have mercy
Alternative Opening Prayer (1998 ICEL Missal, Day Mass)
God of power and life,
who chose the sinless Virgin Mary to be Mother of your Son
and raised her, body and soul, to the glory of heaven,
set our hearts upon the things that are above
and lift us up to share in her glory.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Introduction to the Scripture Readings (Mass during the Day)
Apocalypse 11:19; 12:1-6, 10 — Symbolically describes Christ being born into a dangerous world as Mary’s child, to win victory over evil.
1 Corinthians 15:20-26 — Paul reminds us that the death of Jesus guarantees we will all share in the resurrection, as Mary already does.
Luke 1:39-56 — The Magnificat is Mary’s song of praise for all the good things God has done.
BIDDING PRAYERS
Introduction (by the Presider) Let us bring our prayers before God, who does great things for all people.
- That Church leaders may always teach the Good News about life without end (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- That Christans may not fear death (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- That Mary’s assumption may help those who doubt (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- That those in need of healing may find God close to them (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- That Mary’s prayers may sustain those who suffer (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
- That those who are very ill and near death may know we are praying for them (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
The Presider prays for the dead: For our friends whose life in this world is over (especially N & N), that they and all the dead may join Mary and the saints in the glory of heaven (short pause for reflection). Lord, hear us.
Conclusion (by the Presider) Almighty God, you come to the help of your servants in their need, hear the prayers we make in faith, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS
Lord,
on the feast of the assumption of Mary, the Mother of God,
accept this sacrifice of reconciliation and praise,
that it may bring us pardon for our sins
and make of our lives an endless thanksgiving.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PREFACE (Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven)
It is truly right and just,
our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Today the virgin Mother of God was taken into heaven
to be the beginning and the image of the Church in glory
and a sign of hope and comfort for your pilgrim people.
You preserved her from the corruption of the grave,
for she had given birth to your Son,
the source of all life.
And so we join the multitude of angels
in their joyful chorus of praise: Holy, holy, holy….
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II
Lord, you are holy indeed,
you are the fountain of all holiness.
Send down your Spirit upon these gifts to make them holy,
that they may become for us
the body + and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Before he was given up to death,
a death he freely accepted,
he took bread and gave you thanks;
he broke the bread,
gave it to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT IT:
THIS IS MY BODY, WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU.
When supper was ended, he took the cup;
again he gave you thanks,
gave the cup to his disciples, and said:
TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT:
THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD,
THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING COVENANT.
IT WILL BE SHED FOR YOU AND FOR ALL,
SO THAT SINS MAY BE FORGIVEN.
DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME.
The mystery of faith…..
Remembering therefore his death and resurrection,
we offer you, Lord God,
this life-giving bread, this saving cup.
We thank you for counting us worthy
to stand in your presence and serve you.
We pray that all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ
may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
Lord, remember your Church throughout the world:
perfect us in love
together with Francis our Pope and N. our Bishop,
with all bishops, priests, and deacons,
and all who minister to your people.
Remember our brothers and sisters
who have gone to their rest
in the sure hope of rising again;
bring them and all who have died in your mercy
into the light of your presence.
Have mercy on us all:
make us worthy to share eternal life,
with Mary, the virgin Mother of God,
with the apostles and with all the saints,
who have found favour with you throughout the ages;
in union with them
may we praise you and give you glory
through your Son, Jesus Christ.
THROUGH HIM, AND WITH HIM, AND IN HIM……
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
Lord our God,
we have been nourished at this heavenly banquet;
as we honour the assumption of the Mother of your divine Son,
deliver us, we pray, from all the evils that beset us.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING [FOR FEASTS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY]
Bow your heads for God’s blessing.
May God, who through the child born of the Virgin Mary
graciously redeemed the human race,
enrich you with every blessing.
R. Amen.
May you always rejoice in the loving protection of Mary,
through whom you have received the author of life.
R. Amen.
May you who are gathered to honour the feast of our Lady
take from this celebration
the joys of the spirit and the gifts of heaven.
R. Amen.
GREETING VISTORS
If continental visitors attend Mass during their summer holidays, the presider might welcome them in their own language.
(In Dutch): ‘Beste vrienden, die bij ons uw verlof komt doorbrengen, wij zijn blij u hier te begroeten
(Phonetically) ‘Best-eh freend-en, dee by uns oo fer-lof come-teh door-breng-en, vigh zine bligh oo here tuh buh-ghroot-in.’
(In French): Chers amis qui venez passer vos vacances chez nous, nous sommes heureux de vous acceuillir parmi nous.
(Phonetically) ‘Shares am-ee key venay passay vo va-kawnce shay noo, noo soms uru de vooz a-cow-year parmee noo.’
(In German): ‘Liebe Freunde, Sie kamen um Ihre Ferien hier zu verbringen. Wir freuen uns, Sie bei uns aufzunehmen.’
(Phonetically) ‘Leeba froy-unda, zee cam-en um eere fair-ee-en here tsoo ver-bring-en. Veer froy-en unts, zee by unts owf-zoo-name-in.’
(In Italian): ‘Cari amici, che venite a passare le vostre vacanza qui da noi, siamo felici di accogliervi nella nostra communità.’
(Phonetically) ‘Caree amee-chee, kay vay-nee-tay ah pass-ah-ray lay voss-tray vah-can-za kwee da noy, see-amo fay-lee-chay day akol-ee-err-vee nellah noss-trah com-oo-nee-tah.
(In Spanish): ‘Quiero dar una bienvenida muy especial a los visitantes españoles. Deseo que tengan unas vaccaciones felices entre nosotros.
(Phonetically) ‘Ki-er-oh dar oona be-en-ven-eeda mo-ee espes-ee-al a lows visi-tant-eys e-span-yole-es.
Des-ay-o kay ten-gan oon-as vack-ass-ee-owen-es fe-lee-th-es en-tray nose-ot-rose.’