St. Jude to observe Feast of the Assumption Aug. 15
The feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary celebrates Catholic belief that, at the end of her earthly life, the Mother of God, who was conceived immaculately, was assumed into heaven, without corruption of the body that follows death as a consequence of original sin. Like the resurrection and ascension of her Son, Mary's assumption, body and soul, prefigures that resurrection of the dead which is promised to all the faithful.
This is traditionally an occasion to rejoice in the goodness of all creation, destined for redemption. People express prayerful thanks for the means through which they earn their living. In France, priests travel to farms, blessing fields and flocks gathered around large floral crosses, while in Switzerland clergy bless the Alps. In Poland people bring flowers to church for a blessing. On seacoasts, the mayor tosses a wedding band into the water, symbolizing the "marriage" between sea and town, and bishops and priests bless the water and assembled boats.
Area Catholics will observe the feast at St. Jude the Apostle Church with liturgies at 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15. Worshippers, invited to dress in blue, will bring flowers to be blessed and placed before images of Our Lady in their homes and gardens. After the first liturgy, the Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality invites those in attendance to join them in saying the rosary.
On Sunday, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m., Fr. Tom Flowers, pastor, will bless the bay at the public beach in Lewes. He will offer prayers for those who earn their living from the rivers and seas, and those who work on University of Delaware research vessels. A retired member of the U.S. Navy will place a memorial wreath to honor his comrades who lost their lives serving on Navy and Coast Guard vessels, and Mayor Ted Becker will toss into the bay a simple wedding band.
St. Jude is located on Route 1, south of the Nassau Bridge. For information, contact the parish office at 302-644-7300 or office@stjudelewes.org.
