SW News: Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine and in all regions after the Angelus on the feast of the Assumption.

He condemned the prevalence of conflict in many regions of the world, where the din of weapons covers up attempts at dialogue and the right of force prevails over the force of right.

The Holy Father greeted all those present for Our Lady’s feast day, offering greetings to youth from the Verona Diocese and devotees of Mary Immaculate. He asked the faithful to adopt a spirit of service, citing the example of the Blessed Mother who went in haste to help her expectant cousin Elizabeth. Our Lady travels almost 150 kilometers from Nazareth to reach Elizabeth’s house.

However, service risks being barren without praise to God. The pope said, "In fact, Mary praises the Lord as she enters the house of her cousin. She refrains from discussing how tired she is from the voyage in favor of singing joyfully instead. For those who love God understand praise. Let's try to reflect on this question: Do I approach my work and daily activities with a spirit of service or selfishness? Do I willingly commit myself to someone without looking for quick gain? In a nutshell, Do I use service as the 'springboard' of my life?"

The vigil of the Solemnity of the Assumption was held in the garden of Gethsemane on August 14, 2023, in honor of the Feast of the Assumption, and a procession carrying the figure of the sleeping Virgin Mary was made from the Cenacle to the church of Gethsemane.

A festive mass was also performed at the Dormition Abbey Benedictine Church in Jerusalem today, August 15, 2023, while Fr. Francesco Patton, the Custos of the Holy Land, presided over a liturgy in Gethsemane Church. After the restoration work was finished, the church was reopened at the same time as the celebration.