STAY TUNED throughout National Migration Week (Sept. 20-26) to hear about how we are working to address the needs of migrants and refugees at the U.S./Mexico Border and how you can get involved!

Sunday, September 26^th is World Day of Migrants and Refugees

The Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.

Every year the WDMR is the last Sunday of September; in 2021 it will be celebrated on 26 September. As the title for his annual message, the Holy Father has chosen Towards an ever wider “we”.

Founders Week, an annual tradition at Assumption, is an opportunity to remember the University's founders, the Assumptionists who in 1904 welcomed the first class of students to the institution and their many collaborators who have contributed to the growth of Assumption over the past 117 years.

The theme chosen for our celebration is "It's All about Soul!" It was inspired by our new Mission Statement, approved by the Board in May and now being officially launched during Founders Week.  The Statement says that, at Assumption, we "provide students with an education that shapes their souls…"  This week is an opportunity for all of us to think again about Assumption's mission and to measure the challenges that it presents to us.  We'll be able to do this in a variety of ways during the week.  The Founders Week Committee hopes you will be able to participate in as many of the week's events as possible.

Check out the AU app for more information about the Week.  An announcement will be sent out on each day of the week to remind you of upcoming events.  Here is a summary schedule of the week's events:

September 9^th, Thursday, 11:30 am - Mass of the Holy Spirit, Plourde Center
Presided by Assumption alumnus, Fr. Warren Savage

September 11^th, Saturday, 1:00 pm – Assumption vs. Bentley
"Donut forget your spirit!" (free donuts) & "Gear Swap"

September 12^th, Sunday, 7:00 pm - Mass & 9/11 Remembrance, Chapel of the Holy Spirit

September 13^th, Monday, 7:00 pm - Agapé-Latte:  Dr. Lisa D'Souza, presenter, Charlie's in Hagan Campus Center

September 16^th, Thursday, 3:30 pm - Rededication of Living/Learning Center in honor of Assumption's first President, with French-themed refreshments

September 17^th, Friday, 3:00 pm – "Welcome Back Convocation" for Faculty & Staff, Curtis Performance Hall, with refreshments in D'Amour Piazza

During the week, beginning on Monday the 13^th, in Hagan, a re-introduction to the Assumptionist Beni School Project in the Congo

This month Fr. Donat Lamothe, A.A., celebrates 65 years since his first profession. Much of his life as an Assumptionist has been dedicated to teaching at Assumption University in the Department of Music. He also shares his talents through iconography and gardening. We thank God for your faithfulness, Fr. Donat!

Fr. Miguel, assistant to our Superior General in Rome, paid a special visit to our new community in El Paso, TX this past month. He is a leader of our International Commission for Justice & Peace and Integrity of Creation, and was able to see firsthand how we are preparing to work for justice and peace along the U.S./Mexico border.

Nicholas DiAntonio ’12 runs defensive drills during a Natick High School football practice.

Nicholas DiAntonio, a 2012 graduate of Assumption University, shares about the impact of his Assumption education and his experience now as a math teacher and coach at Natick High School.

In Fr. Barry Bercier A.A.'s theology class, he writes, “We talked a lot about the importance of raising young men to be positive contributors to society and how now, more than ever, we need strong young men because there are so many challenges in this world,” he said. “Fr. Barry’s emphasis on the importance of developing young individuals is something I really value and bring to my everyday teaching and coaching – not just teaching them the X’s and O’s of football, but the importance of treating everyone with compassion and developing positive relationships.”

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The sun shone brightly in Québec on August 14th, the day of Sadiki Kyavumba’s priestly ordination. This young Assumptionist was ordained by Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix, current Archbishop of Québec. Approximately 140 were in attendance in a covid-friendly atmosphere in the chapel of Montmartre. During the singing of the Litany of Saints by a fellow African brother, Sadiki lay prostrate during the emotional ritual. Later, during the Mass, a beautiful hymn was sung in Swahili. Father Dennis Gallagher, North American Provincial of the Assumptionists, vested Fr. Sadiki in his blue chasuble and stole. Cardinal Lacroix presented Fr. Sadiki to the congregation for his blessing. Following the ceremony, Fr. Sadiki greeted guests, including many Lay Assumptionists, as they gathered on the lawn of Montmartre.

By: Veronika Jaster

I’d like to sincerely thank the Assumptionist community for the opportunity to serve with the Congregation in Mexico and encounter God’s love during my time there. I spent eighteen days at the Assumptionist parish center in Tlilapan, Veracruz. Throughout the volunteer work and the cultural immersion, it was a joy to serve, learn, and share life with all the people I met.

On Saturday, August 28^th at 11am, our brothers - Matthew-Mary Okereke, Daniele Caglioni, Hugo Morales Ballesteros and Brian Verzella -- will renew their temporary vows as Assumptionists. We invite you to join us for the outdoor Mass at St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish (Fiskdale MA).