This beautiful Memoria concludes the Octave of the Assumption. Although the Octave is not now formally kept in our Calendar, it is there in our hearts and deeply rooted.

Here are some lines from St Bernard on our Lady: ‘In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt, think of Mary, call out to Mary. Keep her in your mouth, keep her in your heart. Follow the example of her life, and you will obtain the favour of her prayer. Following her, you will never go astray. Asking her help, you will never despair. Keeping her in your thoughts, you will never wander away. With your hand in hers, you will never stumble. With her protecting you, you will not be afraid. With her leading you, you will never tire. Her kindness will see you through to the end. Then you will know by your own experience how true it is that the Virgin’s name was Mary’.

May we know her kindness today, as we celebrate the one in whom the fullness of Love was pleased to dwell, and may God bless you this day.