August 2013
Pope's Intentions
Parents and Teachers. That parents and teachers may help the new generation to grow in upright conscience and life.
The Church in Africa. That the local Church in Africa, faithfully proclaiming the Gospel, may promote peace and justice.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Solemnity
Commentary of the day
Vatican Council II
Constitution on the Church « Lumen gentium », § 68-69 (trans. ©Libreria Vaticana editrice)
Mary, sign of certain hope and consolation for the Pilgrim People of God
The immaculate Virgin Mary, preserved from all stain of original sin, was raised up to the glory of heaven, body and soul, at the close of her life on earth and was exalted by the Lord as Queen of the universe so that she might resemble her Son, the Lord of Lords and Victor over sin and death, more perfectly,...Just as the Mother of Jesus, glorified in body and soul in heaven, is the image and beginning of the Church as it is to be perfected is the world to come, so too does she shine forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come (2Pt 3,10), as a sign of sure hope and solace to the people of God during its sojourn on earth.
It gives great joy and comfort to this holy and general Synod that even among the separated brethren there are some who give due honor to the Mother of our Lord and Savior, especially among the Orientals, who with devout mind and fervent impulse give honor to the Mother of God, ever virgin. The entire body of the faithful pours forth instant supplications to the Mother of God and Mother of men that she, who aided the beginnings of the Church by her prayers (Acts 1,14), may now, exalted as she is above all the angels and saints, intercede before her Son in the fellowship of all the saints, until all families of people, whether they are honored with the title of Christian or whether they still do not know the Savior, may be happily gathered together in peace and harmony into one people of God, for the glory of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity.