With the theme, “Virgin of Lourdes, watch over our country and bring us to  Jesus”,
the annual shrine novena began on Thursday, February 2,  2017,
in preparation of the 159^th anniversary of Our Lady’s appearance to Bernardette Soubirous.

On Saturday, February 4, 2017, about 50 singers gathered at the shrine to mark the 40^th Vigil of “Singing God’s Praises”, a celebration that has given thousands of people an opportunity to know, appreciate, and understand this beautiful tradition that has provided an effective evangelization of the Central Region of Chile, although its effects have been felt from north to south of the country.

Fr. Julio Navarro, former vicar general of the Assumptionists now residing in Santiago, presided at the Eucharist for this group of singers and in his homily pointed out, “You have come to sing to the Virgin not in your name only, but in the name of your families, your neighbors and friends. In fact, you come to the Virgin in the name of the entire People of God in Chile, in the name of the whole Church. You represent many --- all those who have a devotion to the Virgin”.

Assumption Joins Yale University, Villanova University and the University of Michigan in Recognition for Efforts to Create a Culture of Life on Campus

WORCESTER, MA (February 6, 2017)— Assumption College has announced that one of its student organizations—whose purpose is to educate, pray, advocate and act on issues related to the dignity of human life at all stages—was awarded a prestigious award recognizing their steadfast efforts to foster a campus climate that respects the sanctity of life. The award includes $1,000 to enhance their outreach efforts.

The student club, Advocates for Life, was awarded the Rev. Thomas King, S.J. Award from the Cardinal O’Connor Conference on Life. The group meets each week when school is in session to plan efforts that educate the campus community on pro-life matters.  In collaboration with Assumption College’s Office of Campus Ministry, Advocates for Life co-sponsors a number of on and off campus efforts to educate the community about life issues and provide for those in need.

Posted by ZENIT Staff on 30 January, 2017

Here is the Vatican-provided translation of Pope Francis’ address to participants of the Plenary Assembly of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, on the theme: “Fidelity and perseverance: intertwined responsibilities” on Saturday morning in the Vatican:

Dear brothers and sisters,

It is for me a cause for joy to be able to receive you today, as you are gathered in the plenary session to reflect on the theme of faithfulness and abandonment. I greet the Cardinal Prefect and thank him for his words of presentation; and I greet you all, expressing my gratitude for your work in the service of the consecrated life of the Church.

by Jonathan Bishop

For Emmanuel d’Alzon, founder of the Assumptionists, education wasn’t merely about the memorization of important facts and the earning of grades.

It was about formation:  intellectual, moral, and spiritual.

After all, d’Alzon wanted to make sure human beings understood their purpose as creatures of God.

Members of the Assumptionists and the Assumption College community again learned about d’Alzon’s educational project at this year’s Assumption Day, which was held Jan. 13.

Much of the day consisted of reflections on the summer’s Education Congress, which brought Assumptionists and lay collaborators from all over the world to Assumption College, and also general thoughts on d’Alzon and education in the 21^st century. Speakers included Fr. Dennis Gallagher, vice president for mission, Fr. Richard Lamoureux, director of formation, and Dr. Louise Carroll Keeley, provost and vice president for academic affairs.