August 16. SEE.   Sunday 20A. Assumption of Our Lady into heaven. patron feast of South Africa.  Fr Joseph spoke about the many different images we have of Mary. He asked, “Is she a patroness to you, and in what way?  I am asking you when you get home to share your own devotion to Mary with your family.  Different people see her as a powerful queen, a mother, a sorrowing mother, at times possibly angry at events in her life and that of her Son.  She had experienced exile, and losing a child is very painful as some have also experienced. Some people like the “gentle woman” that we sing about or see on Christmas cards.”   The sharing at home later on was enlightening and all agreed with the words she herself used, “The Lord has done great things for me” and they agreed a patroness can be all those things.  Every family could pray together regularly, “Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, patroness of South Africa, pray for us.”  

JUDGE. Reflect, share, act. Scripture:   Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has regarded the lowly estate of his handmaiden.  For behold henceforth all generations will call me blessed: for he who is mighty has done great things for me and holy is his name.  Luke 1:46-49. Pope Francis: Mary, Virgin and Mother, you who moved by the Holy Spirit welcome the word of life in the depths of your humble faith as you gave yourself completely to the eternal One, help us to say our own “yes” to the urgent call, as pressing as ever to proclaim the good news of Jesus. EG 288.  Pope Leo: 244. The Blessed Virgin Mary not only teaches us to recognize God’s invisible work, but also directs our gaze to “the points at which humanity is broken and the world becomes distorted: the contrast between the humble and the powerful, the poor and the rich, the satiated and the hungry,” teaching us “to look at the world from a lower position: through the eyes of those who suffer rather than the mighty; to view history through the eyes of the little ones, rather than through the perspective of the powerful; to interpret the events of history from the viewpoint of the widow, the orphan, the stranger, the wounded child, the exile and the fugitive.” MH 244.                            ACT AND PRAY. Reflect and share on your devotion to Our Lady as patroness for South Africa.   Share with her your particular needs and Invite her to pray for your family.

PRAYER FOR THE WOMEN OF SOUTHERN  AFRICA 
Almighty God, 
You are father and mother to us, your children. 
We thank you for the particular and special gifts you have given to women,  
the gift of nurturing life, of sustaining and supporting life,   
the qualities of compassion, commitment, generosity and a willingness to share. 
As they progress towards their rightful place in society we request your blessing on all women 
  	that they may continue also to hold their rightful place in the family. 
 	that women and men together may build a society 
  	which will bring about the Kingdom You have promised us. 

We call on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who nurtured and cared for her son and now reigns with Him in heaven 
to inspire the women of South Africa, 
 	to pray with them in their joys and in their struggles,
 	and to intercede for them with her Son. 
Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, patroness of South Africa, pray for us.
St Francis and St Clare, lovers of peace and support for those who are suffering, pray for us.