August 15, 2016
Marian Shrine E-Newsletter
Volume 5, Issue 7
Fr. Jim McKenna

On 1 November 1950, Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: "We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory."
The Pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices.
 
What the Pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church. The feast was celebrated under various names (Commemoration, Dormition, Passing, and Assumption) from at least the fifth or sixth century. We find homilies on the Assumption going back to the sixth century. In the following centuries the Eastern Churches held steadily to the doctrine, but some authors in the West were hesitant. However, by the thirteenth century there was universal agreement. Today, we celebrate Mary's Assumption as a solemnity.
 
Scripture does not give an account of Mary's Assumption into heaven. Nevertheless, Revelation 12 speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God's people.
 
Since Mary best embodies the people of Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be seen as an exemplification of the woman's victory. Since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus' life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to belief in Mary's share in his glorification: so close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
 
In the light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) with new meaning. In her glory, she proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and finds joy in God her Savior. God has done marvels for her, and she leads others to recognize God's holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to the heights. From her position of strength, she will help the lowly and the poor find justice on earth, and she will challenge the rich and powerful to distrust wealth and power as a source of happiness.
 
We know that Don Bosco had a great and habitual devotion to our Lady, which his mother Mamma Margaret transmitted to him. We recall the dream at the age of nine and how Jesus introduced his mother to little John when he said: "Your mother has taught you to salute her three times a day."
 
Article 8 of our Constitutions reads: "The Virgin Mary showed Don Bosco his field of labor among the young and was the constant guide and support of his work, especially in the foundation of our Society. We believe Mary is present among us and continues her 'mission as Mother of the Church and Help of Christians."
 
Don Michael Rua captures for us the tender devotion of Don Bosco towards Our Lady when he says: "Don't you know that Don Bosco works hand in glove with the Madonna?"
 
Happy Feast of the Assumption to you all!
God Bless you.
In Mary Help of Christians,
I remain,
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
Director

Contemplate this

"I will pray for you" is regular evidence of Christian charity, but prayer is not only about asking. The deepest prayer-often assumed to be reserved to nuns and monks-is accessible to all. Contemplation, or the prayer of unity, is the simple and intimate experience of oneness between you and God. Such prayer is neither secret nor for "specialists." It is not a fad nor a new way to pray, but ancient and time-honored. Helpful guides include Father Basil Pennington and Father Thomas Keating, but be careful not to substitute reading about contemplative prayer for experiencing it.

 
Happy Birthday Don Bosco
August 16
Fr. Jim McKenna 

May St John Bosco, on his Birthday, bless each one of us: our Province, our Confreres, our Communities, our Salesian Family and you my dear friends of the Marian Shrine!
Two hundred years ago, on this day, a child came into the world - John Melchior Bosco, the son of humble peasant folk. We thank God profoundly for what he did through his intervention in history, in the real history of the hills that make up the Becchi.

In Article 1 of the Salesian Constitutions, we read: "With a feeling of humble gratitude, we believe that the Society of St Francis de Sales came into being not merely as a human venture but by the initiative of God. Through the motherly intervention of Mary, the Holy Spirit raised up St John Bosco to contribute to the salvation of youth. The Spirit formed within him the heart of a father and teacher, capable of total self-giving.
The Church has acknowledged God's hand in this, especially by approving our Constitutions and proclaiming our Founder a saint."

The Salesian charism is a gift, which God through Don Bosco has given the Church and the world. It was formed over time, starting from Mama Margaret's knees and growing through friendship with good teachers of life, and especially through everyday life in the company of young people.
 
Living the Dream
"To dream the impossible dream..." sums up the hope we carry deep within us. Realizing that dream is an inner drive which eventually leads us to happiness. Yet often this potential to think 'BIG' and follow our dream remains suffocated until the right moment comes along and our courage kick starts us into life. The growing realization of what the dream, at the age of nine, was about and his unique ability to be at ease with the young who were homeless, illiterate and in need, spurred him on. He progressed from Sunday catechism classes in a local-field, to a daily trade school in an adapted shed. Young people flocked to him for education and shelter.

He fought for the rights of and proper working conditions for his boys. His fame and his work spread. Acceptance replaced rejection and people began to see John Bosco not as someone deranged, but as an extraordinarily holy man.
He was making the seemingly impossible, possible. Salesian spirituality has love, kindness and generosity at its core. It is a practical, service-based love of God and neighbor - especially for the marginalized and those in need.
It is creative, optimistic, joyful, encouraging and life giving.
 
The Dream lives on
Working at a Salesian institution, be it a school, a parish, a retreat center, a Shrine or as a chaplain in a college campus or an institute of higher learning is an invitation to share in and become part of a rich spiritual and educational tradition that has love as its key motivation. Don Bosco's work began when he touched the hearts of the homeless abandoned youngsters on the streets of Turin more than two centuries ago. His work continues today in the work of each and every member of the Salesian family as we work for youngsters entrusted to our care. Therefore, each of us also has a responsibility to ensure that this Salesian Spirit is lived with energy and vigor.
May we the sons and Family of Don Bosco continue to inspire millions of youth as he did, today and always.
 
Laughter the best medicine

Why do couples fight?

My wife sat down on the couch next to me as I was flipping channels.
She asked, 'What's on TV?'
I said, 'Dust.'
*And then the fight started....*
*************************
My wife was hinting about what she wanted for our upcoming anniversary.
She said, 'I want something shiny that goes from 0 to 100 in about 3 seconds.'
I bought her a weighing scale.
*And then the fight started....*
***************************
My wife is standing & looking in the bedroom mirror. She was not happy with what she saw and said to me,'I feel horrible; I look old, fat and ugly. I really need you to give me a compliment
I replied, 'Your eye sight's perfect
*And then the fight started....*
***************************
I asked my wife, "Where do you want to go for our anniversary?"
It warmed my heart to see her face melt in sweet appreciation.
"Somewhere I've not been in a long time."
So I took her to my parents house.
*And then the fight started....*
 
The Devotion of the Three Hail Marys
The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion.
Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practice this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help.

My belated and most sincere thanks to dearest Jesus, Mother Mary and Don Bosco for helping my son be successful . Thank you also for all the other favors received. Do continue to protect us always. Mrs. L. Moraes, NY

My sincere thanks to Mother Mary and Don Bosco for helping me undergo a successful cataract operation. Presna Moreau, NY

Our sincere thanks to Our Lady, Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio for the favors received and also for the gift of a grand daughter. OAM Van Dijk, OH

My sincere thanks to Mother Mary and Don Bosco for the gift of twins - a beautiful baby boy and girl on 20th June 2016.  Zina Janssen, PA

I met with a scooter accident while I was visiting Costa Rica. I was knocked down and lost consciousness for over an hour and a half. The CT Scan showed no injury and I was discharged the next day and returned to the States. My family and I are grateful to our loving heavenly Father, beloved Lord Jesus and blessed Mother Mary for protecting me. Bernard Hordiyenko, FL
 
In Closing
Dear devotees of Our Lady and Don Bosco,
If you have received a miracle through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, we would like to hear from you. Email us at [email protected].
 
Bookstore/Giftshop hours: Monday - Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm, Sundays: 12 - 4 pm

Confessions on weekdays begin at 11.30 am.
Weekday Masses: 12 noon.
Sunday Masses: 11 am and 12.30 pm

Other activities: Day Retreats, Weekend retreats, Don Bosco Summer Camp, Friday night Lenten Pasta Dinners, 50/50 raffle, 350 club, Rosary Madonna Statue.
Rent Lomagno Hall, Rent our Banquet Hall.

MEMORIES
Remember a Loved One: Engrave plaques on Wall of Memories, adopt a Tree, Engrave blocks on Walk of Honor, All Souls, All year Candle lighting, Holiday (Christmas and Easter), Flowers, Schedule a Mass, Bell Chimes.

MASS INTENTIONS
To offer a mass intention, please write to
Fr. Jim McKenna SDB
174 Filors Lane,
Stony Point, NY 10980

 
Fine Print
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Visit our website: www.marianshrine.org to donate.

Marian Shrine
174 Filors Lane, Stony Point, NY 10980
(845) 947-2200