INDEPENDENCE DAY

Holy mass   15 AGUST

Introduction:-

Today the 15^th August has special significance for us Indians as we celebrate two feasts, which have the same message of freedom and liberation. For or us Christian, the assumption of Mary is the symbol of our final fulfillment, the symbol of all hopes, and it is also the symbol of victory over sin and death, an affirmation of the final victory of God’s love and his grace. Hence it is fitting to raise our minds and hearts to God in praise and thanks giving for the wonderful gifts of our heavenly mother, who is the symbol of our true freedom.  59 year ago on this day India breathed the air of freedom from darkness to light. Yes August 15 1947 was a day of great rejoicing for the Indians, a day of new life, a day of new power, an unforgettable day in the history of India. Freedom from the domination of others is perhaps one of the most precious gifts a person or a nation can posses. Dear sisters and brothers as we partake of this Eucharistic celebration, let us pray through Mary’s intercession for God’s blessings upon each one of us and all our Indian brothers and sisters so that all be like Mary may experience the joy of true freedom.

 OFFERTARY:-

National Flag: - Lord, we offer you this National flag as a symbol of our motherland India. It’s stands for renunciation, purity of motive and fullness of life. As people of India we pledge ourselves to the Dharma of freedom. Enable us to renounce our self-interest and fight all that corrupts our country. So that we may think, speak and act in purity of truth.

Lamp:- Lord, we  bring this lamp as a sign  of our liberation from the darkness of slavery through the intersession of our blessed Mother- the – we offer you the leaders of our country. May they direct and guide us to the path of prosperity, truth and peace.

Chain:-The is a symbol of strength and unity. As India is rich it’s diversity of people, multiplicity of religion, pluralistic cultures, and ethnic beauty which binds us to live together. May these become factors of unity in diversity driving away the chains of various oppressions. Thus bringing harmony, justice and peace. And uniting us in love and fraternity.

Leif:- Lord ,Jesus we bring before you this green life which symbolizes the life of our dearest sisters. Name…………………………As the Leif gives beauty to the plant may this life bring joy and beauty. And may their goodness spread everywhere.

Bread & Wine:- Lord, we offer this bread and wine the symbol of human labour and suffering. As these are changed into your body and blood we pray for our Holy Father Pope Benedict 16^th, Bishop’s, priests, religious and all of us gathered around this alter of love. Help us to share what we are and what we have for the building up of God’s kingdom here on earth.