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Previous Messages from the Director
August 2023
Dear Friends,
As we approach the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15th, I would like to share with you the prayer of Father General Arturo Sosa before the image of Mary in Montserrat, during the Ignatian Year.
It should be said that the significant Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary recalls the spiritual and physical departure of the Mother of Jesus Christ from the earth, when both her soul and her body were taken into the presence of God.
St Ignatius of Loyola had a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary. Early in his conversion journey, in March 1522, he stopped at the Abbey of Montserrat, in Catalonia, and knelt before the statue of Mary. He told her of his desire for a new life and entrusted himself to her maternal love. Throughout his entire life, St. Ignatius never ceased to ask the mother of Jesus to place him with her son Jesus, whom he wanted to be a faithful companion. Thus, Mary has a particular role in the life and mission of the Society of Jesus.
Here is the beautiful prayer from Father General Arturo Sosa:
Prayer to Our Lady of the Assumption
O Mary, Mother of Love,
We stand before you with our joys,
our desire to love and to be loved.
Here we are with the weight of our days,
with our miseries, our violence, and our wars.
But love is stronger than all:
we believe that it still exists,
for love comes from God.
We pray to you: may our homes be filled
with simple gestures of brotherhood and kindness,
of trust, goodwill and generosity!
May families and nations be open to sharing,
forgiveness and reconciliation!
Mother of love, intercede for the human family,
support the efforts of those who work for justice and peace.
Grant us the grace to be faithful to the Gospel
and to bear fruit that endures.
Amen!
Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.
Have a Blessed August,
Scott McMaster
Director of Advancement – Directeur de développement