Join us for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Join us for a holy day of opportunity!

Mass Times

Friday, August 14th:

5:00 PM St. Francis Church, Brant Beach

Saturday, August 15th- 9:00 AM 

St. Francis Church, Brant Beach

St. Thomas of Villanova, Surf City 

St. Thomas Aquinas, Beach Haven

On August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when Mary was taken up to heaven, body and soul. On this Solemnity we honor Mary, and we thank God for the gift of her presence and her unwavering faith as a model for us all.  How many times do we pray the “Hail Mary,” and realize that Mary is actually praying for us?  “Now and at the hour of our death”.  How beautiful to have such an Advocate.

There are many traditions associated with this feast day, one being the “Blessing of the Sea,” in which we ask Mary to protect sailors, heal the sick, and calm the stormy waters in our lives.  The tradition goes back to a Bishop, traveling by sea, on the Feast of the Assumption, during a terrible storm.  While praying to the Blessed Mother, the Bishop threw his pastoral ring into the sea, and the water immediately calmed.  For generations, families have made the pilgrimage to the shoreline to put their feet in the water and ask for Mary’s support and healing.

Mary remains a source of comfort, strength, and guidance for all.  She emanates the true meaning of following God’s Light. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”.

Reflection: How do we model ourselves after Mary?

Action: Pray the “Hail Mary” while walking along the shoreline.