The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Reflection of the Spiritual Life Committee:
At Maryville, our diverse backgrounds form a beautiful weaving of 19 different faiths, yet our hearts share the same deep longing for connection, meaning, and peace. Through the Spiritual Life Committee, 18 of our neighbors have already stepped forward to help shape a resident community where everyone’s spirit can thrive. As we begin praying together, ringing the bells of invitation, and preparing meals of comfort for our Portland neighbors, we are turning our shared faith into tangible love.
Every new tradition at Maryville — from expanding pastoral visits to sharing sticky moments of service — is a reminder that we are never finished learning from one another. Our spiritual journey here is a shared home (with wide welcoming doors), built completely on the wisdom and love of the residents who live in it.
Love your very tired Chaplain,
Melissa
The Assumption of Mary
Catholics celebrate the Assumption of Mary on August 15 with special Masses, lively street processions, community festivals, and the blessing of foods like grapes, wheat, and herbs such as sweet basil. Families also mark the day with their own traditions. According to an old belief, after Adam and Eve’s fall, flowers and herbs lost their scent and healing power, but on the day Mary was taken into heaven, these gifts returned. You can join in by enjoying a fragrant bouquet of flowers. This important feast honors the belief that God brought Mary, body and soul, into heaven at the end of her life.
Pray:
“Mary, pray for me, that my desire to be where you are, fully present with the Lord in body and soul, adoring Him for all eternity, will never fade.”
Summary- The Companion Book of Catholic Days by Karen Edmisten (2021).
Spiritual Life Committee (SLC)
The Spiritual Life Committee is a group at Maryville that helps encourage spiritual growth, build a supportive atmosphere, and promote faith-based activities for everyone. Maryville is currently home to 19 different faiths, and everyone at Maryville is welcome to join the SLC.
Currently, 18 residents have joined in on the committee. The members have identified a number of initiatives to explore. These ideas are typically aspects of spiritual life that residents may miss or would like to see more of during their time here at Maryville.
To respond to these great initiatives, we have three great announcements for August:
In September, we plan to start a monthly confession schedule with ministers, pastors, and chaplains from different faiths visiting and leading services on Sundays.
In October, three student intern chaplains from different faiths and backgrounds will visit us each week until May 2027.
