August 11
OUR LADY of ŚWIĘTA LIPKA
In the Diocese of Warmia – Obligatory memorial
Tradition has it that the statue of Virgin Mary places in a linden tree by the road near the village of Reszel has been revered since the 13th century. During the reformation, the figure was destroyed. In the 17th century a benevolent painting was placed there instead. On 11 August 1968 it was crowned the the Primate of Poland Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński.
Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
OFFICE OF READINGS
SECOND READING
Sermon by Saint Amadeus, Bishop of Lausanne
(Sermon VIII about BVM)
Unparalleled are the Blessed Virgin Merits, and her constant advocacy for us has got great power before the Lord. All is known and revealed in the Creator’s eyes, and in this Divine light she sees all the dangers that threaten us and the maternal heart of this sweet and gracious Lady pities us. Out of the unfathomable Divine Providence, she was called Mary, the Star of the Sea – the name reflects her charity.
She reigns from the heights of heavens with her Son, shining with beauty and full of power – with a single nod she calms the rush of sea waves. Those that wander the turbulent paths of this world and with trust call for her help are saved from dangerous disturbance of unfettered elements and led to the shores of the land where they participate with joy in her victory.
The Blessed Virgin gathers the dispersed, guides the lost, saves from death and protects from destruction those that are led towards destruction. She not only watches over the salvation of souls, but she also helps with love those in need, grants health and heals the wounds of hearts. In the places devoted to her memory, through her intercession, the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear, the mute speak and various disabilities and weaknesses are healed. Sinners, beating their breast, confess their sins and, being forgiven, return home with joy. She too draws the despondent, the afflicted and sad, the despaired, the lost, the poor, the dishonoured, and the vilified. She does not reject any paupers. Merciful, she begs her Son for them and reverts all evil.
Let us ponder how much she loves and attracts those that are of pure heart like hers for, as we know, with her intercession she even saves wrongdoers and the perverted from eternal death. He makes some defeat the evil, and leads others along the paths of virtuous life. She shows the chosen ones the depth of prayer contemplation and begs salvation for the dying so that no devil power has access to those that the Mother of the Only-Begotten God’s Son leads towards Christ. [1]
CONCLUDING PRAYER
O God,
you let us intercede with the Blessed Virgin Mary,
grant that we may continually feel her loving care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.
[1] Translated by DChojnacki (2014).
Polish Breviary 