Catholics believe that Mary, mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven, body and soul, at the end of her life. This special event is called the Assumption. This Friday, 15^th August, Christians all over the world will be celebrating this significant Feast Day.

Images of the Assumption of Mary usually include Mary wearing a crown of 12 stars. The stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The crown symbolises Mary as the Queen of Heaven. The roses at Mary’s feet symbolise Mary’s purity and love.

One of the key messages conveyed in the Scripture readings (Isaiah 35:1-2, 5-6, 10 and Luke 1:39-56) for Mary’s Feast Day is that God promises to bring joy and healing. They are words of hope — that God will save us and make everything new.

In Luke’s Gospel reading for this Feast Day, Mary goes on a journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When she arrives, Elizabeth’s baby jumps with joy because Mary is carrying Jesus. Mary sings a song praising God for His love and mercy. She knows that God keeps His promises.

These Scriptures remind us to be brave like Mary, who trusted God and stepped out in love. They invite us to cast our nets out deep with kindness, believing that God will guide us and help us grow, just like the desert blooming with flowers in Isaiah.

Reflecting on the words of God’s wisdom, we are reminded that God is always working in our lives even in quiet, hidden ways. Mary’s journey shows us how faith moves us to love, serve, and trust.

As a Good Shepherd School community, we walk together on a pilgrimage of learning, growing, and becoming more like Jesus, our Good Shepherd. We are never alone. God walks with us, guiding us with kindness and leading us to hope.

This term, we are invited to be brave, to trust God, and to cast our nets out deep with kindness—reaching out to others, trying new things, and believing that God is with us every step of the way.

Let us pray together:

May Jesus, our Good Shepherd and loving role model of compassion, bless each of us, our families and our community. May God fill our hearts with hope and courage.

May your journey be filled with joy, learning, and growth. May you be brave in your choices, trust God in every moment, and cast your nets out deep with kindness.

May you always know that as you journey each day, you are held in God’s love.

Amen.