It is with great joy that I announce that we will begin our Assumption fast next week in preparation for the Great Marian Feast on August 15th. You may be asking, what can we expect for this year? I would like to end any fear that you may have, or anxiety rather, of what this year will look like. This fast is sometimes questioned on why it is even necessary. Yet, I find that it is a great preparation the mystery we are about to see on August 15th, that the resurrection of Jesus and Mary's assumption, Body and Soul, are the promises that we are given from the Father. Therefore, a period of fasting is necessary to rightly contemplate these mysteries.
This year, we as a community will be fasting from all meat on Wednesdays and Fridays with a regular fast throughout the week. This is one regular size meal and two snacks throughout the day. If you have medical issues, please do what you can, the Lord will recognize your sacrifice. We will do this for the two weeks leading up to August 15th. On Wednesdays and Fridays, no dairy, wine or oils are to be used. On Saturdays and Sundays there are to be no fasting as is the traditional teaching.
This is a pretty light fasting in general and is meant just to keep us spiritually prepared for the longer fasting times come later in the year. I am also asking that brothers please keep us your normal prayer routine and to add some spiritual reading throughout the period. I myself have a number of books that I hope to read throughout the fasting period this year and will also continue with the weekly preachings and Prime services at the mission here in Cumming, GA.
Overall, please continue to pray for vocations to the Order and that we might be successful in our operations. May the Lord bless you and protect you this Assumption Fast and I look forward to our celebrations on August 15th.