SPIRITUAL PREPARATIONS FOR

THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

Holy Mother Church has upheld the ancient and venerable tradition of fasting since the days of the Apostles and this tradition continues with us today.

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One very important period of fasting was the Assumption Fast, which for many, is unknown to most Christians today.

The Eastern churches still maintain the fast which the Western churches have forgotten except in a few traditional sectors.

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Because of the dire situation we face with the Chinese Virus and the suffering of so many, it would be a good thing for us look to these ancient traditions during this time of suffering.

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The National Shrine will observe the Assumption Fast from August 1 to August 14 and will be similar to the fast of Great Lent which will consist of eliminating all meat products for all the days of fast and to eliminate dairy products for the first three days and the last three days. 

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The Assumption Fast has numerous variances according to ritual and cultural traditions. Our fast will be something of a compromise of the many traditions and may be adapted according to the ability of individuals. What is important is to do a little something in preparation.

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Also available online and in printed form at the Shrine is the prayer to Our Lady of Lebanon which we will pray each day beginning August 1 as a Novena of preparation along with our fast.

I invite everyone to join in a spiritual preparation for our great feast during this time of suffering. Pray to Our Blessed Lady for Her assistance. She is the one who leads us to Our Savior and His Kingdom.

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Our Lady of Lebanon pray for us!

Pilgrimage Novena for the success of the Assumption Pilgrimage will begin on August 1st. The Novena prayer will be prayed after every Liturgy until the Triduum. We ask that Our Lady bestow on us favorable weather and success. 

Prayer to Our Lady of Lebanon

“O Mary, you who are called “the Cedar of Lebanon,” look down upon your children who today and always beg your guiding hand. Grant us the faith to withstand the sweeping blows of life as the cedar stands straight against the wind. Develop in us the hope, the hope of Resurrection, that what we believe as your Devine Son has revealed it to us; we may appreciate the joy that should be ours. Dear Mother; increase our love, the love we should have for the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; our filial love for you, and to the perfection of this love: to love our neighbor not in theory, but in solid prayer and practice. 

We now kneel at your feet, dear Lady, begging for your blessing and beseeching your intercession to your Devine Son for all our Church and Government authorities, for ourselves, all our relatives and friends, especially (request).

Our Lady, Queen of Lebanon, America, and the Universe - pray for us.”

An Indulgence Prayer

Imprimatur:

Francis M. Zayek S.T.D.
Diocese of St. Maron - U.S.A.