Mary of the Cosmos is an original Icon written by Sr. Bernadette Bostwick based on the ancient image of “Our Lady of the Sign.” This image of Mary of the Cosmos celebrates the beauty of our embodiment and the sacredness and holiness of all matter in the cosmos. In this Icon, the universe is flowing through Mary, (mother, matter, mater) whose body is made of the star stuff of the cosmos.

We invite you to view the following reflection on the Assumption of Mary by Sr. Patty Andrew, an Australian Ursuline Sister.

On this Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother the Marist Fathers and Brothers celebrate with the following reflection by Pope Francis.

The Gospel in today’s liturgy suggests: “Hope is the virtue of those who, experiencing conflict – the struggle between life and death, good and evil – believe in the resurrection of Christ, in the victory of love. We heard the Song of Mary, the Magnificat: it is the song of hope, it is the song of the People of God walking through history. It is the song many saints, men and women, some famous, and very many others unknown to us but known to God: mums, dads, catechists, missionaries, priests, brothers, sisters, young people, even children and grandparents: these have faced the struggles of life while carrying in their heart the hope of the little and the humble. Mary says: “My souls glorifies the Lord” – today, the Church too sings this in every part of the world. This song is particularly strong in places where the Body of Christ is suffering the Passion. For us Christians, wherever the Cross is, there is hope, always. … That is why I like to say: do not allow yourselves to be robbed of hope. May we not be robbed of hope, because this strength is a grace, a gift from God which carries us forward with our eyes fixed on heaven. And Mary is always there, near those communities, our brothers and sisters, she accompanies them, suffers with them, and sings the Magnificat of hope with them.”

We invite you to enjoy this version of Ave Maria.

Today (August 7th) the Marists worldwide celebrate the birth of their founder Fr. Jean-Claude Colin.

Born at the close of the 18th century (1790) in revolution-torn France, Jean-Claude was convinced that the Blessed Virgin wanted a group of men and women to do her work in the world at a time of turmoil and challenge. With this inspiration he forged the way for a new family of consecrated religious and laity in the Church – the Marist family.

Under his leadership, as founder and father, Marist missionaries would proclaim Christ’s message in Mary’s gentle spirit ‘on whatever distant shore’ to which they were sent.

On this Fr. Colin’s birthday, the Marists invite you to reflect by way of a song, More than Memories, composed by Kevin Bates, SM, on the leadership of Fr. Colin.

Marists throughout the world pray that Jean-Claude Colin will become better known and revered. As his Cause for Beatification is being pursued, they seek graces through his intercession for themselves and the people they serve. Learn more about Fr. Colin and his Cause for Beatification.

The Feast of the Transfiguration foretells the glory of the Lord as God, and His Ascension into heaven. It anticipates the glory of heaven, where we shall see God face to face. Through grace we already share in the divine promise of eternal life.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord we invite you to listen to the following song by the St. Francis de Sales Choir in Ontario, Canada.