August 5, 2016 WBB Prayers & Practices, WBB Feast Days & Holidays, REL Seasons - Feast Days/Holidays, REL Catechetical - K–6, REL Catechetical - Jr High, REL Asset - Prayer Experience, REL Topic- Saints, REL Catechetical - Adult
By: Allie Johnston
Mary is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church and we honor Mary as the greatest saint. Catholics honor Mary every day of the year through prayer. We remember the many ways God blessed Mary. We read about Mary in Scripture. There are special celebrations and feasts of great importance throughout the year. During the month of May Mary is specially honored by devotions around the world. During the next two months, we recall two special events in the life of Mary: the Assumption, and the Nativity of Mary. Throughout her life, Mary loved and obeyed God. Because she did not sin, she had a pure heart. As Catholics we believe that when Mary’s work on earth was done, God brought her body and soul to live forever with the risen Christ. This belief is called the Assumption. On August 15, 2016 we celebrate Solemnity Of The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary.
Then on September 8, we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a chance to celebrate Mary’s birthday.
Praying the Rosary is one of the many popular devotions to Mary. The Rosary is usually prayed using a string of beads with an attached crucifix. The prayers we pray during the Rosary create a peaceful rhythm of prayer during which we can reflect on special times in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Catholics honor Mary by doing good works in her name, by paying a special visit to parishes named for her, and by asking Mary to pray for us and speak to her son on our behalf. Download the Praying with Mary Prayer Card, which contains prayers to honor Mary, Mother of God, and the Church’s greatest saint. Share it with the students and families in your religious education program this month as you honor Mary in a special way.