Saint John Paul the Great Academy

August 15—the Solemnity of the Assumption—is traditionally also called in Poland Matki Bożej Zielnej, “Our Lady of the Herbs.” 🇵🇱🌿🌼

The custom is ancient. On the Assumption, Polish Catholics bring bouquets made from flowers, herbs, grains, grasses, fruits, and sometimes vegetables to church to be blessed. They represent the fruits of the earth at the height of summer and the harvest that is beginning.

There is a beautiful theological logic behind it. Mary herself is the first fruits of the redeemed creation. In the Assumption, the Church celebrates not simply that Mary’s soul is with God, but that she was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. Her body—the same created, material body through which Christ received His human nature—already participates in the destiny promised to redeemed humanity.

So on this particular feast, bringing the created world into church makes wonderful sense: flowers, herbs, wheat, fruit—the things that grow from the earth—are blessed while we celebrate a human body, also made from the earth, already glorified in heaven.

There’s also a lovely Polish folk tradition behind the flowers. Medieval legends associated Mary’s empty tomb with flowers and sweet-smelling herbs rather than her body. That imagery became intertwined with the liturgical celebration.

Traditionally, families would take the blessed bouquet home and keep it near a crucifix or holy image. The herbs might later be used in prayers for the sick, and parts of the bouquet could be placed in fields or barns as a prayer for God’s protection and blessing upon the harvest.

And at Jasna Góra, where I was just two days ago, this has particular resonance. August 15 combines the Assumption, pilgrimage, harvest, Mary as Queen and Mother, and Poland’s national Catholic identity in one enormous celebration.

There’s a phrase heard around Poland today:

“W sierpniu każdy kwiat woła: zanieś mnie do kościoła!” Which means, “In August every flower cries: take me to church!” 🌾

Praying for our families and benefactors. Thank you! May our Lady protect and guide you to her Son!

On Friday we had our last day of school and end of the year celebration. We hope that everyone has a blessed summer!

Our 2nd Annual Last Day of Afterschool Water Fight! A blast had by all!

Some afterschool fun ⚽️

For the past few weeks our children have been making their very own kites in art class. Today, we went to Central Park and flew our kites!

Our school took a field trip to Central Park today and went fishing. Have a blessed weekend everyone!