Welcome to St Wilfrid's Parish in the Heart of Preston
Welcome to St Wildrid's
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
‘My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour’
On this Marian feast day, we celebrate Our Lady, assumed into glory through the saving power of her Son.
At the heart of today’s liturgy is the joy of that beautiful moment of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth (Gospel). These two women, who had no expectation of pregnancy, both carry babies who will in time bring about the kingdom of God on earth. Mary’s prayer of gratitude for this great blessing prefigures the Beatitudes that her Son, Jesus, will both proclaim and live.
The First Reading is part of the revelation to St John. In his vision, a crowned woman gives birth to a son. This child is taken up to God’s throne, and the salvation of Christ is proclaimed to the nations.
The Psalm is entitled a ‘song of love’, and for the Christian it poetically describes the love of God for his people. It invites us to listen, and to turn our hearts towards God.
In the Second Reading, we return to the theme of the salvation of Christ, also proclaimed in John’s revelation. In Christ all shall be made alive.
In both of our opening readings, there is an air of triumphalism about God overcoming evil in the world. By contrast, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth in the Gospel reveals how our salvation is brought about through humility and simplicity of heart. The powerful will be brought low and the weak and humble will be raised up.
Let us pray for a joyful spirit of gratitude for God’s saving love, so that we, too, can proclaim with Mary, ‘My soul magnifies the Lord.’
(With thanks to St Beuno's Outreach)
ARTWORK
Master of James IV of Scotland (Flemish, about 1541)
The Getty Center, Los Angeles
Welcome
St Wilfrid’s is an active Catholic parish. in the heart of Preston, served by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), with a history going back over 200 years. As Parish Priest I am delighted to welcome you to St Wilfrid’s. This website gives you details of the many activities of our dedicated parishioners as well as the history of this church. Please contact us for more information or if there is anything we can do.
Wishing you every blessing.
Chris Pedley, S.J.
Pope Leo's Prayer Intention for August
Click the image above to play the video
For evangelization in the city.
Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community.
Visit the website of Pray With the Pope
Visit the website of Pray As You Go for a reflection on this month's video.
Jesuits and Friends
The Summer edition of Jesuits & Friends is now available to read online.
