August - Month of the Immaculate heart of Mary.

August - Month of the Immaculate heart of Mary.

On the 15th of August we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption – the Patronal Feast of Nunraw. Also in August the dedication of the foundation stone of the Abbey is dated the Immaculate Heart of Mary 22nd August 1954. This is now replaced by the memorial, the Queenship of Mary.

Curé d’Ars, St. John Vianney, 4 August. “It is always springtime in the heart that loves God”. Here is a good thought for sundown bound elderly monks. One thing about the parish priest of Ars is that retirement never entered his mind. We have a plethora of August feasts: six martyrs — two who are named in Canon I of the Mass and two who were martyred during World War II; seven founders of religious congregations, as well as three popes and two kings; the apostle, St. Bartholomew; the great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine and St. Monica, his mother; the humble patron saint of parish priests, St. John Vianney, and the patron of deacons, St. Lawrence, who joked with his executioners while being roasted alive. It is never too late to begin — as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us — nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-day members of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ’s Transfigured body (August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope — the glorification which is Christ’s" (Enchiridion on Indulgences). The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope! (See Catholic Culture Website - Overview of each Month).


Economy of Saints
Some Liturgists tend to be bleak regarding the Memorials of the Saints. Monks tend to be purists of the ‘uncluttered’ monastic liturgy. Appreciation of the Saints’ Memorials is more to the fore at the Chapel of the Guesthouse. Charles, the lay-voice, will not let us forget the Saints. At times the life of the Saint of the Day gives added significance of the regular readings from Scripture, as I found in the case of St. Peter Julian Eymard, 2nd August the Founder of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers. The words of Exodus 40:21 ". . . the glory of the Lord filled the temple" seem to resonate with Peter Julian on the Real Presence.