Mary, the Star Who Constantly Guides Us. August 15, our two communities in Riverview, N.B., celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with a beautiful prayer service prepared by Sr. Liliane McGraw.

A Bit of History

In 1881, Our Lady of the Assumption was chosen as the patron saint of the Acadians at the first National Acadian Gathering in Memramcook, N.B. This decision was ratified by Pope Pius XI in 1938. This August 15 provides an opportunity to celebrate the Acadian people, their determination, and their courage, but also to reflect on their motto: “Unity is strength,” a core value in their history and future.

Bishop Marcel François Richard designed and had the Acadian tricolor flag adopted at the National Convention in Miscouche, Prince Edward Island, in 1884. He fought his entire life for the advancement of the French language in Acadia and for the rights of the Acadian people.

Prayer Followed by the Eucharistic Celebration

The central message of this afternoon’s prayer was: “Mary, Sign of Hope.” The prayer included some very beautiful hymns to Mary, Psalm 131, and, of course, the Gospel according to Saint Luke 1:39–40. We then continued with prayers of intercession, some spoken aloud and others in silence… in our hearts.

In the afternoon, we had the joy of welcoming Archbishop Emeritus Valéry Vienneau of Moncton to celebrate the Eucharist with us. His homily, too, was filled with hope and perseverance.

Conclusion

As you will see, the Acadian national anthem was originally written in Latin (the language of the Roman Catholic Church).

The lyrics to our national anthem (Ave Maris Stella) are easy to find online, but we have chosen the French version written by Jacinthe La Forest and adopted in 1994 by the Société Nationale de l’Acadie.

This French version truly reflects our devotion to our Mother Mary, as well as to our history and culture. We ask the Lord that Our Lady of the Assumption may support us and guide our people as they continue on their journey.

Ave Maris Stella

Dei Mater Alma

Atque semper Virgo

Felix Coelli Porta (repeat)

Acadia, my homeland

I bind myself to your name

My life and my faith are yours

You will protect me (repeat)

Acadia, my homeland

My land and my challenge

Whether near or far, you hold me close

My heart is Acadian (repeat)

Acadia, my homeland

I live your history

I owe my pride to you.

I believe in the future. (repeat)

Ave Maris Stella

Dei Mater Alma

Atque Semper Virgo

Fèlix Coeli porta. (repeat)

Following this time of prayer, we enjoyed some beautiful Acadian songs that came to us spontaneously while we savored a light snack.

Margaret Wincey, f.j, Joyce Brochet, fj

                             Moncton Sector, Canada