August - Month Of The Assumption

The month of August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green.

This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection.

It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time.

The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward.

The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of August 2010

General: That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties.

Missionary: That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who are suffering from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries. (See also www.apostleshipofprayer.net)

Feasts for August

The feasts on the General Roman Calendar celebrated during the month of August are:
1. Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday
2. Eusebius of Vercelli; Peter Julian Eymard, Opt. Mem.
4. John Vianney, Memorial
5. Dedication of St. Mary Major, Opt. Mem.
6. Transfiguration, Feast
7. Sixtus II and companions; Cajetan, Opt. Mem.
8. Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday
9. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Opt. Mem.
10. Lawrence, Feast
11. Clare, Memorial
13. Pontian and Hippolytus, Opt. Mem.
14. Maximilian Kolbe, Memorial
15. Assumption, Solemnity
16. Stephen of Hungary, Opt. Mem.
19. John Eudes, Opt. Mem.
20. Bernard, Memorial
21. Pius X, Sunday
22. Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday
23. Rose of Lima, Opt. Mem.
24. Bartholomew, Feast
25. Louis of France; Joseph Calasanz, Opt. Mem.
27. Monica, Memorial
28. Augustine, Memorial
29. Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sunday

Focus of the Liturgy

The Gospel readings for the Sundays in August are taken from St. Luke and are from Year C, Cycle 2.

August 1st - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time	Jesus tells the parable of the rich man.
August 8th - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time	Jesus tells his disciples that the one who is given more, more will be demanded or him.
August 15th - Solemnity of the Assumption	This Gospel relates Mary's visit to Elizabeth.
August 22nd - 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time	Jesus talks about entering the kingdom through the narrow door.
August 29th - 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time	In today's Gospel parable about a banquet, Jesus teaches humility.

Highlights of the Month

August is often considered the transitional month in our seasonal calendar.

It is the time of the year we begin to wind-down from our summer travels and vacations and prepare for Autumn — back to school, fall festivals, harvest time, etc.

The Church in her holy wisdom has provided a cycle of events in its liturgical year which allow the faithful to celebrate the major feasts in the life of Christ and Mary.

Most notably, during August, we celebrate the feast of the Transfiguration (August 6) and the feast of the Assumption (August 15).

The other main feasts of this month are, St. John Mary Vianney (August 4), Dedication of St. Mary Major (August 5), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6), St. Sixtus II and Companions and St. Cajetan (August 7), St. Teresa Benedicta (August 9), St. Lawrence (August 10), St. Clare (August 11), Jane Frances de Chantal (August 12), Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus (August 13), St. Maximilian Kolbe (August 14), St. Stephen of Hungary (August 16), St. John Eudes (August 19), St. Bernard (August 20), St. Pius X (August 21), St. Bartholomew (August 24), St. Louis of France (August 25), St. Monica (August 27), and St. Augustine (August 28).

The feasts of St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1), St. Dominic (August 8), the Queenship of Mary (August 22), and the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (August 29) fall on a Sunday so they are suppressed this year.

SIC: CC