MARY AND THE MONTH OF AUGUST
With August just around the corner and several parishioners asking me, “How come we do not hear much about Mary in our Church? We are seldom singing Marian hymns in the church! Are we forgetting the Mother of Jesus?”
In the Catholic tradition, the month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This devotion honors the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially her perfect love for God, her compassion for humanity, and her complete obedience to God’s will. Mary’s heart is called “Immaculate” because, by God’s grace, she was preserved from original sin and remained faithful throughout her life. Her heart symbolizes purity, humility, mercy, and unwavering trust in the Lord.
The dedication of August to the Immaculate Heart follows the celebration of the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, observed the day after the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The close connection between these two devotions reminds the faithful that Mary’s heart is inseparable from the heart of her Son, Jesus Christ. As the Mother of God, Mary continually leads us to a deeper relationship with Christ and encourages us to imitate His love and holiness.
During August, Catholics are encouraged to meditate on Mary’s virtues and seek her maternal intercession. Praying the Holy Rosary, reflecting on the mysteries of Christ’s life, and consecrating oneself to the Immaculate Heart of Mary are common spiritual practices. These devotions help one grow in faith, hope, and charity while drawing strength from Mary’s example of discipleship.
The Gospel portrays Mary’s heart as one that treasures the mysteries of God. Saint Luke tells us that Mary “kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) Her heart remained steadfast through moments of joy, such as the birth of Jesus, and moments of profound sorrow, especially at the foot of the Cross. In every circumstance, she trusted God’s plan with unwavering faith.
The month of August therefore invites Catholics to renew their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, asking her to form their hearts after the pattern of her own. Through her loving intercession, the faithful seek the grace to love God more deeply, serve others generously, and remain faithful to Christ in every circumstance. By honoring the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Church reminds all believers that true holiness is found in humble obedience, steadfast faith, and complete surrender to the will of God.
-- Fr. Augustine
Dear Parishioners:
After Bishop Benny presided over the Masses of July 18 & 19, he showed me iPhone photos and videos of a flood that occurred only days earlier that had completely submerged a Church in his diocese.
Earlier today, I asked if he would provide me with those videos and a description of the disaster so that I might put them together and share them with you in this flocknote. While I was on site, he also agreed to record the description as an audio narration (and pose for this picture.)
In the video above, Bishop Benny only asks for your prayers for the people involved. Although the special collection for his diocese occurred on July 18 & 19, I have a hunch he wouldn't mind if anyone wanted to make a donation now. If so, you may do so online here.
I put this video together rather hastily, so please forgive any errors if you happen to find them.
(If you've read this far, THANK YOU so much for your attention!)
-- Jim Oliver
After Bishop Benny presided over the Masses of July 18 & 19, he showed me iPhone photos and videos of a flood that occurred only days earlier that had completely submerged a Church in his diocese.
Earlier today, I asked if he would provide me with those videos and a description of the disaster so that I might put them together and share them with you in this flocknote. While I was on site, he also agreed to record the description as an audio narration (and pose for this picture.)
In the video above, Bishop Benny only asks for your prayers for the people involved. Although the special collection for his diocese occurred on July 18 & 19, I have a hunch he wouldn't mind if anyone wanted to make a donation now. If so, you may do so online here.
I put this video together rather hastily, so please forgive any errors if you happen to find them.
(If you've read this far, THANK YOU so much for your attention!)
-- Jim Oliver
- Friday, July 31:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel) - Saturday, August 1:
- Living Nativity Meeting 10:00 a.m. (Hall)
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church) - Sunday, August 2:
Eighteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass 9:30 a.m. (Church)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Matt Di Mercurio 90th Birthday Celebration in the Hall, Following our 11:30 a.m. Mass - Monday, August 3:
Backpack Pack Filling Station (Hall)
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- Safety Team Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope) - Tuesday, August 4:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 a.m. (Pope) - Wednesday, August 5:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- New Testament Bible Study 6:30 p.m. (Church) - Thursday, August 6:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Knights of Columbus 5:00 p.m. (Hall)
- Family Rosary 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope/Courtyard) - Friday, August 7:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 5:00 p.m. (Chapel)
You May Also View Our
COMPLETE CALENDAR,
COMPLETE CALENDAR,
Living Nativity Town Hall Meeting
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
10:00 AM
BORROMEO HALL
Donate to Our
Living Nativity Project Here
Sunday, August 2, 2026:
RSVP to Reserve Your Seat HERE!
If You Are in Need of Prayer...
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community
1315 Lomitas Ave.
Livermore, CA 94550
