Last Sunday I had mentioned this about the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary: though it is usually a holy day of obligation, it is not a holy day of obligation this year. A couple of parishioners told me that they were a bit confused about it. So I thought of giving a longer explanation here so that it can benefit all of us.

Every day this week, we celebrate the feast of a saint – some better known than others. I thought it worthwhile to reflect briefly on each of them:

Tomorrow/Monday is the feast of St. Lawrence, Deacon (died 258). He was martyred four days after Pope Sixtus II and four deacons were killed. Deacon Lawrence cared for the temporal welfare of the Roman church. He gave a radical witness to service to the poor, joyful generosity and strong faith.

The feast of St. John Marie Vianney is on August 4. He is the patron of priests and parish clergy. Please pray for all the priests, especially the priests who serve us. I have included a brief sketch of his holy life in this bulletin. The feast of Transfiguration falls on August 6. “Listen to Him” was the instruction God gave to the three disciples who were privileged to witness this unique event on Mount Tabor. That is the instruction God gives us too: Listen to Him.