Paris, France, Aug 15, 2016 / 11:32 am
Following the wave of Islamist terror attacks that have bloodied France since last year, the country's bishops have decided to offer all Masses on the Feast of the Assumption for France.
In an Aug. 1 communique, the president of the French Bishops' Conference, Archbishop Georges Pontier of Marseille, noted how the Aug. 15 Solemnity of the Assumption has always held "a special place" in the heart of Catholics.
"In this celebration of hope, we suggest that the general intercessions of the Mass that day mention this intention," he said, and asked that at noon sharp, "the bells of our churches sound" in unison.
"May God bless our country in the trials that she is enduring," the archbishop said, referring to the recent terrorist attacks that have crippled the nation.