St Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s ParishSt Anthony’s Parish90 Buckley Street, Noble Park, VIC 3174

Tel (03) 9546 8276 - Fax (03) 9548 1608 - School (03) 9546 0044Email: parishsecretary@stanthonysparish.net

Parish Homepage: stanthonysparish.net

Parish Priest: Fr Arsenio TuazonAssistant Priest: Fr Anh Nguyen

Pastoral Associate: Mrs Joy Adriaanse - School Principal: Margaret Batt

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 15 August 2010

Monday (Communion Service) 9.30amTuesday to Saturday: 9.30amWednesday: 9.30am & 7.00pm1st Friday: 7.00pmSaturday Vigil: 7.00pmSunday: 8.15am,9.30am,11.00am,5.30pm3rd Sunday 2.00pm - Sudanese Mass - in Arabic Reconciliation: Saturday 10am and 6pm

Mass Times

Entrance Antiphon: A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head.

Communion Antiphon: All generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me.

Next week: Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

X First reading: - Isaiah 66:18-21 X Second reading: - Hebrews 12:5-7. 11-13 X Gospel: - Luke 13:22-30

COUNTERS

Sun 22 August: Group 14 - Jim & Elaine Henderson, Ed Holland, Mary Farrell

Sun 15 August: Group 13 - Albert Saliba, Kalyani & Nicole Ferdinand, Ravi DeCruz, Tim Scully

Sun 22 August:07.00pm: Gareth D'Cunha, Moira Ryan, Jarrod Benjamin08.15am: Placida Adaman, Therese Adaman, Fia Ioane09.30am: Nicole Vellin, Jacinta Ioane11.00am: Bernice D'Rose, Doug D'Rose, Michael Thomas05.30pm: Debra Briggs, Z A Espedillon, A Espedillon

LECTORS

50 years in 2006

In The Piety StallRecipe Books $5.00 - Wine Glasses $3.00 (buy 6 pay for 5) * Mugs $3.00 * Stubbie Holders $2.00

"CLEARANCE SALE" UNTIL SOLD OUT

the queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

Mary is a model of faith for us. She is the courageous believer, strong in trust, alert to see the workings of God in her life. Mary is a real woman who walked the road of life before us. She is there to encourage us to be people of faith, listeners to God, followers of her Son, bringers of his love to those in need in our world. In Mary our liberation from death, our resurrection, is anticipated.

Mary is 'blessed' because she listened to God's word, a supreme example of the receptive hearer. Mary's greatness does not lie in her physical privileges. Her greatness lies in her unconditional assent, in word and deed, to God's gifts to her. Mary's greatness lies more in the fact that she believed the word of God and acted on it, rather than in her physical motherhood. Mary believed in a God who wanted to become actively involved in her life.

From Break Open The Word

ST ANTHONY’S GOLDEN JUBILEE MEMORABILIA

FIRST COMMUNIONPlease pray for the following children

who will be making their First Communion this weekend:

Roshelle Fernando, Chrishelle Muthuwadige, Henry Vu, Himash Wijesekera, Michelle Zhu, Naige

Siddig, Patrick Nyoni-Tonks,Danielle Azzolina, Carl Cruz, Sherwin Sequeira, Joseph Nyugen, Victoria Sta

Romana, Carolyn Meas, Chanuki Asirvatham, Pantaleon Sialau , Dylan Diiorio, Daniel Piecemeat,

Alax Agon, Louse Agon, Angelina Ashuel, Helena Nielo, Sedonia Koudi Arad, Salfia Koudi Arad,

Gabriel Boribon, Dominic Baldan, Victoria Figueron, Zoann Wood, Jennifer Vongue, Rodney Vong, Jefferson De Guzman, Erickson De Guzman,

Candice Senn, Steve Tran (blessing)

Our Pastoral Associate, Joy Adriaanse, has been with us for eight and a half years. On Sunday August 29, at 11 am Mass the Parish will officially farewell and thank her. All are welcome. If you would like to contribute to a book of memories for Joy, please submit any contributions to the parish office by August 22, so they can be collated for presentation at the Mass. (No bigger than A4 size please)If you prefer you could email any messages to Jeannette Quinn at mightyquinn120@hotmail.com for inclusion. Mass will be followed with lunch in the gathering space. Please bring a plate of finger food to share.

? Play Group - Mondays from 9.00 - 11.00am in the Small Hall? Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 5.30 pm on Mondays. ? Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome.? Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. ? Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.? Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church.

? El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month.? Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am.? Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space.? Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays.? Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month.? Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

X We pray in thanksgiving for those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.

X We pray for Gerald Roche, Airiena, Bartholemew Pepino, Connie Lewis, Lancelot Morel, Sabine Tourmentin, Maria Catarino, Francisca de Sousa, Roque Espedillon and all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time.

X Please also pray for:

who are sick.

,

Graham Harvey, Peter Harvey, Jacques Jodun, Mary Spittall, Carl Perry, Baby Ella

King, Baby Xavier, Agnes Pregasem, Molly Maguire, James Webster, Keith Bainbridge, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Melissa Haidar, Solaric Dragica, Kerrie St Clair, Francis Erispe, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Pedro Williams, Elise Fernandez, Oscar & Omar, Claud Alves, Monica Cogley, Susan & Jean Espedillon, Blake Hayes, Brittany Charalambous, Bruce Thomas,

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

Grief Support Group

If you are interested in joining this group, please ring Maria Jones on 9792 4755 or 0414 520 488.

The Grief Support Group is meeting this Monday the 16th of August in the Parish Centre. All welcome.

PLEASE HELP!The Sudanese Community have a Shipping Container in the School grounds and are appealing for donations of clothing (clean clothing, please!), computers and

TV's etc to send to Sudan. For collection or further enquiries, please ring George on 9798 6296 or 0432 400 452 (he is free only on Fridays due to study) or leave your message at the Parish Centre 9546 8276.

NEW PARISHIONER WELCOME LUNCHEONThe Welcome Group of St Anthony's invites New Parishioners who have been in the Parish since 13th June last year, to a Welcome Luncheon.When: 22nd August 2010 - at 12 noon (after 11am Mass)Where: St Anthony's Small HallInvitations will be sent out next week to people on our list. If you do not get one but fall into this category, please don't hesitate to ring Joy. The reply needs to be in immediately so as to confirm numbers for catering purposes. Ring Joy or Joseph at the Parish Centre to register your attendance. 9546 8276

CANCER COUNCIL DAFFODIL DAY MORNING TEA - 27TH AUGUST, 2010

Please come and support this worthy cause and have some fun at the same time! A Morning Tea will be held in the Gathering Space at 10.30am. Other Cancer Council products will be on sale.Please book for catering purposes - ring Joy 9546 8276before Thursday 26th August.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES AT ST ANTHONY'S

WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO JOIN A MINISTRY?

Over the last two weeks we highlighted the various liturgical ministries in the parish and requested you to give some thought to the many active ministries here at St Anthony's. Hopefully every parishioner has carefully and prayerfully considered where God is calling you to serve. This includes “new” and “old” parishioners, the young and the old and those previously involved in a ministry and those who have not been involvedWe now invite you to nominate to the ministry groups you may wish to join. Those who are currently involved are also required to renew their commitment, if you wish to continue. Ministry sign up sheets are placed in the foyer, please include your name, phone number and email address (if applicable). Thank you. Brenda Wright

PARENTING POSITIVELY PROGRAMSt Anthony's Parish is organising a free Parenting Positively Program to inform and support parents in the way they relate to and interact with their children in these challenging times.There will be two sessions, facilitated by Gerard Koe BA (Psy) MA (Pastoral Counselling), at the Cyrene Centre in Noble Park.WHEN: 31st August, - 14th September, 2010 7.30 - 9pmWHERE: St Anthony's SchoolNumbers limited. Booking at Parish Office - 9546 8276

Caritas Australia is calling for donations to provide desperately needed emergency relief to the 14 million people affected by flooding in Pakistan. Torrential rain has seen millions of people evacuated from the flood waters after losing everything; their house, belongings, businesses, livestock and crops. Your donation will help provide for their immediate needs including food, water and shelter.

Caritas Australia is already responding to this crisis with people on the ground delivering life saving assistance. Give generously to the Caritas Australia South Asia Floods Appeal - Pakistan. Call 1800 024 413, donate online at www.caritas.org.au or send your donation to GPO Box 9830 in your Capital City.

Carnival MeetingWhen: Wednesday 18th AugWhere: The Gathering Space

Anyone interested in helping by either manning a stall or helping on the day please attend.

WE need your help.

WEDNESDAY FRIENDS, will be celebrating their last meeting with Joy on 25th August, and will be taking her to the Highways, cnr Corrigan Rd & Princes Hwy. Meet in Gathering Space after Mass for a cuppa then on to venue by bus. Please ring Ivy to book 9547 6153

PLEASE NOTE!THE COMMUNION MINISTERS TO THE SICK MEETING has been postponed to Mon. 16th Aug at 10.15am in the Gathering Space.PLEASE BRING A PLATE TO SHARE FOR MORNING TEA.

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI (OUR LADY OF GOOD HEALTH)

NOVENA AND FEAST DAY CELEBRATION- ST ANTHONY'S CHURCH

30 AUGUST TO 7 SEPTEMBER - MASS, NOVENA AND ADORATION OF THE

BLESSED SACRAMENT WILL BE HELD EACH DAY AT 7:00PM.

8TH SEPTEMBER - 7:00PM SOLEMN MASS TO CELEBRATE OUR LADY'S FEAST

FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT BRENDA ON 95472333

25th Death Anniversary of Axie Machado Mass will be held at St Anthony’s Church - Noble

Park on Saturday the 21st August at 11am.

THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE will meet again on the 16th of August (Monday) at 10am in the Gathering Space. From Dawn

HAZELNUTS LADIES SOCIAL GROUP Our next dinner out will be on Wednesday 25th August at Birches Restaurant (TAFE) Stud Rd, Dandenong from 7.00pm. All welcome, bookings or for a lift ring Marg on 9547 3147 by 24th Aug.

Rosies volunteers witness Christ's love for the poor and abandoned, through developing friendships, being a listening ear and offering companionship by severing hot and cold drinks to those who come to the van every Wednesday and Friday night at Flinders Street Station. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Our volunteers are aged between 18-30 years of age. Training is required. Van departs from Mulgrave 7.00pm and returns at approximately 11.30pm - Next Training Tuesday 17 th August, for more information (and next training evening) call 9795 5077 or visit www.rosiesvic.oblates.com.au

WYD2011 Spanish Fiesta – Friday 20 August 2010Everyone is invited to attend the One-year-to-go launch event for World Youth Day Madrid 2011. The event will include praise and worship, Mass led by Archbishop Hart, followed by a Spanish-style fiesta. There will be live music, Spanish food, dancing and pilgrims can enter the draw to win one of three $2000 grants (conditions apply) to go towards their pilgrimage costs to Madrid, Spain. Details: Friday 20 August, starts at 7pm at St Brigid's Catholic Church, 378 Nicholson St, North Fitzroy. This is a free event. Young people who would like to go in the Parish minibus should contact Fr Anh 95468276 for more information.

FIRST COMMUNIONPlease pray for the following children

who will be making their First Communion this weekend:

Roshelle Fernando, Chrishelle Muthuwadige, Henry Vu, Himash Wijesekera, Michelle Zhu, Naige

Siddig, Patrick Nyoni-Tonks,Danielle Azzolina, Carl Cruz, Sherwin Sequeira, Joseph Nyugen, Victoria Sta

Romana, Carolyn Meas, Chanuki Asirvatham, Pantaleon Sialau , Dylan Diiorio, Daniel Piecemeat,

Alax Agon, Louse Agon, Angelina Ashuel, Helena Nielo, Sedonia Koudi Arad, Salfia Koudi Arad,

Gabriel Boribon, Dominic Baldan, Victoria Figueron, Zoann Wood, Jennifer Vongue, Rodney Vong, Jefferson De Guzman, Erickson De Guzman,

Candice Senn, Steve Tran (blessing)

Our Pastoral Associate, Joy Adriaanse, has been with us for eight and a half years. On Sunday August 29, at 11 am Mass the Parish will officially farewell and thank her. All are welcome. If you would like to contribute to a book of memories for Joy, please submit any contributions to the parish office by August 22, so they can be collated for presentation at the Mass. (No bigger than A4 size please)If you prefer you could email any messages to Jeannette Quinn at mightyquinn120@hotmail.com for inclusion. Mass will be followed with lunch in the gathering space. Please bring a plate of finger food to share.

? Play Group - Mondays from 9.00 - 11.00am in the Small Hall? Legion of Mary meet in the Gathering Space at 5.30 pm on Mondays. ? Charismatic Prayer Group meet in the Small Hall every Monday at 8.00pm. All are welcome.? Novena - Devotions to Our Lady of Perpetual Help follows the 7.00pm Mass in the Church on Wednesdays. ? Italian Prayer Group meeting will be on Thursdays at 10.15am. Contact Lucy 9547 1671.? Divine Mercy Devotion every Friday 2.45 pm in the Church.

? El-Shaddai Multicultural Prayer Group meet every 1st Friday of the Month.? Knitting Group meet in the Gathering Space every Friday from 10-12am.? Sudanese Prayer Group meet every Friday evening at 6.30 in the Gathering Space.? Legion of Mary meet at the Parish Centre at 10.15am on Saturdays.? Sudanese Monthly Mass at 2.00pm in the Church every 3rd Sunday of the month.? Friendly Hearts Group meeting 2nd & 4th Saturdays in the Gathering Space from 1-4pm.

THIS WEEK

X We pray in thanksgiving for those who have died recently in the peace of Christ.

X We pray for Gerald Roche, Airiena, Bartholemew Pepino, Connie Lewis, Lancelot Morel, Sabine Tourmentin, Maria Catarino, Francisca de Sousa, Roque Espedillon and all those whose anniversaries occur at about this time.

X Please also pray for:

who are sick.

,

Graham Harvey, Peter Harvey, Jacques Jodun, Mary Spittall, Carl Perry, Baby Ella

King, Baby Xavier, Agnes Pregasem, Molly Maguire, James Webster, Keith Bainbridge, Jordan Whitewood-Neal, Melissa Haidar, Solaric Dragica, Kerrie St Clair, Francis Erispe, Joseph & Mildred Erispe, Pedro Williams, Elise Fernandez, Oscar & Omar, Claud Alves, Monica Cogley, Susan & Jean Espedillon, Blake Hayes, Brittany Charalambous, Bruce Thomas,

Lord, Hear Our Prayer!

A Special Welcome to New Parishioners to our Parish. Please enter your name and phone number in the Book in the Sacristy and a Parish Representative will visit to welcome you as soon as possible.

Grief Support Group

If you are interested in joining this group, please ring Maria Jones on 9792 4755 or 0414 520 488.

The Grief Support Group is meeting this Monday the 16th of August in the Parish Centre. All welcome.

PLEASE HELP!The Sudanese Community have a Shipping Container in the School grounds and are appealing for donations of clothing (clean clothing, please!), computers and

TV's etc to send to Sudan. For collection or further enquiries, please ring George on 9798 6296 or 0432 400 452 (he is free only on Fridays due to study) or leave your message at the Parish Centre 9546 8276.

NEW PARISHIONER WELCOME LUNCHEONThe Welcome Group of St Anthony's invites New Parishioners who have been in the Parish since 13th June last year, to a Welcome Luncheon.When: 22nd August 2010 - at 12 noon (after 11am Mass)Where: St Anthony's Small HallInvitations will be sent out next week to people on our list. If you do not get one but fall into this category, please don't hesitate to ring Joy. The reply needs to be in immediately so as to confirm numbers for catering purposes. Ring Joy or Joseph at the Parish Centre to register your attendance. 9546 8276

CANCER COUNCIL DAFFODIL DAY MORNING TEA - 27TH AUGUST, 2010

Please come and support this worthy cause and have some fun at the same time! A Morning Tea will be held in the Gathering Space at 10.30am. Other Cancer Council products will be on sale.Please book for catering purposes - ring Joy 9546 8276before Thursday 26th August.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES AT ST ANTHONY'S

WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO JOIN A MINISTRY?

Over the last two weeks we highlighted the various liturgical ministries in the parish and requested you to give some thought to the many active ministries here at St Anthony's. Hopefully every parishioner has carefully and prayerfully considered where God is calling you to serve. This includes “new” and “old” parishioners, the young and the old and those previously involved in a ministry and those who have not been involvedWe now invite you to nominate to the ministry groups you may wish to join. Those who are currently involved are also required to renew their commitment, if you wish to continue. Ministry sign up sheets are placed in the foyer, please include your name, phone number and email address (if applicable). Thank you. Brenda Wright

PARENTING POSITIVELY PROGRAMSt Anthony's Parish is organising a free Parenting Positively Program to inform and support parents in the way they relate to and interact with their children in these challenging times.There will be two sessions, facilitated by Gerard Koe BA (Psy) MA (Pastoral Counselling), at the Cyrene Centre in Noble Park.WHEN: 31st August, - 14th September, 2010 7.30 - 9pmWHERE: St Anthony's SchoolNumbers limited. Booking at Parish Office - 9546 8276

Caritas Australia is calling for donations to provide desperately needed emergency relief to the 14 million people affected by flooding in Pakistan. Torrential rain has seen millions of people evacuated from the flood waters after losing everything; their house, belongings, businesses, livestock and crops. Your donation will help provide for their immediate needs including food, water and shelter.

Caritas Australia is already responding to this crisis with people on the ground delivering life saving assistance. Give generously to the Caritas Australia South Asia Floods Appeal - Pakistan. Call 1800 024 413, donate online at www.caritas.org.au or send your donation to GPO Box 9830 in your Capital City.

Carnival MeetingWhen: Wednesday 18th AugWhere: The Gathering Space

Anyone interested in helping by either manning a stall or helping on the day please attend.

WE need your help.

WEDNESDAY FRIENDS, will be celebrating their last meeting with Joy on 25th August, and will be taking her to the Highways, cnr Corrigan Rd & Princes Hwy. Meet in Gathering Space after Mass for a cuppa then on to venue by bus. Please ring Ivy to book 9547 6153

PLEASE NOTE!THE COMMUNION MINISTERS TO THE SICK MEETING has been postponed to Mon. 16th Aug at 10.15am in the Gathering Space.PLEASE BRING A PLATE TO SHARE FOR MORNING TEA.

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI (OUR LADY OF GOOD HEALTH)

NOVENA AND FEAST DAY CELEBRATION- ST ANTHONY'S CHURCH

30 AUGUST TO 7 SEPTEMBER - MASS, NOVENA AND ADORATION OF THE

BLESSED SACRAMENT WILL BE HELD EACH DAY AT 7:00PM.

8TH SEPTEMBER - 7:00PM SOLEMN MASS TO CELEBRATE OUR LADY'S FEAST

FOR FURTHER QUERIES PLEASE CONTACT BRENDA ON 95472333

25th Death Anniversary of Axie Machado Mass will be held at St Anthony’s Church - Noble

Park on Saturday the 21st August at 11am.

THE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE will meet again on the 16th of August (Monday) at 10am in the Gathering Space. From Dawn

HAZELNUTS LADIES SOCIAL GROUP Our next dinner out will be on Wednesday 25th August at Birches Restaurant (TAFE) Stud Rd, Dandenong from 7.00pm. All welcome, bookings or for a lift ring Marg on 9547 3147 by 24th Aug.

Rosies volunteers witness Christ's love for the poor and abandoned, through developing friendships, being a listening ear and offering companionship by severing hot and cold drinks to those who come to the van every Wednesday and Friday night at Flinders Street Station. Are you interested in becoming a volunteer? Our volunteers are aged between 18-30 years of age. Training is required. Van departs from Mulgrave 7.00pm and returns at approximately 11.30pm - Next Training Tuesday 17 th August, for more information (and next training evening) call 9795 5077 or visit www.rosiesvic.oblates.com.au

WYD2011 Spanish Fiesta – Friday 20 August 2010Everyone is invited to attend the One-year-to-go launch event for World Youth Day Madrid 2011. The event will include praise and worship, Mass led by Archbishop Hart, followed by a Spanish-style fiesta. There will be live music, Spanish food, dancing and pilgrims can enter the draw to win one of three $2000 grants (conditions apply) to go towards their pilgrimage costs to Madrid, Spain. Details: Friday 20 August, starts at 7pm at St Brigid's Catholic Church, 378 Nicholson St, North Fitzroy. This is a free event. Young people who would like to go in the Parish minibus should contact Fr Anh 95468276 for more information.

First Reading: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6. 10

A reading from the book of the Apocalypse

The sanctuary of God in heaven opened, and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it. Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelve stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in the pangs of childbirth. Then a second sign appeared in the sky, a huge red dragon which had seven heads and ten horns, and each of the seven heads crowned with a coronet. Its tail dragged a third of the stars from the sky and dropped them to the earth, and the dragon stopped in front of the woman as she was having the child, so that he could eat it as soon as it was born from its mother. The woman brought a male child into the world, the son who was to rule all the nations with an iron sceptre, and the child was taken straight up to God and to his throne, while the woman escaped into the desert, where God had made a place of safety ready. Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ.’

This is the word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 44:10-12. 16

R. The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold.

The daughters of kings are among your loved ones.On your right stands the queen in gold of Ophir.Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words:forget your own people and your father’s house. R.

So will the king desire your beauty:He is your lord, pay homage to him.They are escorted amid gladness and joy;they pass within the palace of the king. R.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26

A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians

Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep. Death came through one man and in the same way the resurrection of the dead has come through one man. Just as all men die in Adam, so all men will be brought to life in Christ; but all of them in their proper order; Christ as the first-fruits and then, after the coming of Christ, those who belong to him. After that will come the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, having done away with every sovereignty, authority and power. For he must be king until he has put all his enemies under his feet and the last of the enemies to be destroyed is death, for everything is

to be put under his feet.

This is the word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation:

Alleluia, alleluia!Mary is taken up to heaven,and the angels of God shout for joy.Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke

Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill

country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, ‘Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.’And Mary said:‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lordand my spirit exults in God my saviour;because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed,for the Almighty has done great things for me.Holy is his name,and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him.He has shown the power of his arm,he has routed the proud of heart.He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away.He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy- according to the promise he made to our ancestors -of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.’Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.

This is the Gospel of the Lord.Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

LITURGY OF THE WORDLITURGY OF THE WORD