Today I speak on the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Assumption Day, celebrated mainly around 15 August, holds significance in numerous countries across Europe, South America and the Middle East. Many of my constituents come from diverse backgrounds and enthusiastically celebrate the day. It commemorates the belief that after Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, passed away, her body was "assumed" into heaven, reuniting with her soul instead of undergoing the usual process of physical decay upon death. Within the Christian faith, the Virgin Mary stands as a profoundly revered figure, serving as both the bedrock and framework of belief. That veneration emanates from the conviction that she holds the position of the Mother of Christ, who is not only the divine Son of God but also intricately united with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

The day is recognised as a public holiday in various nations, including Austria, Belgium, Chile, Croatia, France, parts of Germany, Guatemala, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland. Additionally, it is celebrated in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States even though it is not a designated public holiday. Festivities include vibrant processions, performances, pageants and fireworks, each region adding its own unique touch to the celebrations. Known by multiple names such as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Dormition of the Most Holy Mother of God, and Feast of the Assumption, the holiday has been observed since the fourth century.

In 1950 Pope Pius XII officially declared the Assumption of Mary as a dogma of the Roman Catholic Church. According to Catholic doctrine the Virgin Mary "having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory". I had the honour of partaking in significant Christian events alongside constituents from the Cabramatta electorate, engaging with various parishes. On 13 August I had the delightful opportunity to join the holy mass at the Armenian Apostolic Church of Holy Trinity in Wentworthville commemorating the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Many of my constituents often visit that church. The day featured a procession in the churchyard and an engaging program encompassing traditional Armenian music, cuisine and folk dances.

Continuing that enriching experience, on 14 August I attended the Feast of St Mary's Assumption to Heaven at the St Mary's Assumption Chaldean Parish in Fairfield Heights. The event was led by His Grace Mar Amel Nona, Archbishop of the St Thomas the Apostle Chaldean and Assyrian Catholic Diocese of Australia and New Zealand. The occasion involved a profound procession of St Mary's statue both within and outside the church, drawing the participation of a large congregation. The festivities concluded with a delightful traditional Chaldean dinner. Further diversifying my perspective, on 20 August I engaged in the same celebration at St Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church, located in Mount Pritchard. Immersing myself in the Orthodox liturgy and witnessing the statue procession led by a scout band, I observed the unity and enthusiasm among the hundreds of parishioners present. The event provided not only spiritual enrichment but also entertainment through food stalls, games and rides for attendees of all ages.

As someone with a Catholic background, witnessing the congruences and distinctions in the celebration of the occasion across the Chaldean Catholic Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Antiochian Orthodox Church was very interesting. Despite the minor variations in how the occasion is observed, the shared reverence for the Virgin Mary underscored the unity among those different Christian traditions. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the three churches, their bishops and priests, and organising committees and volunteers for their dedicated efforts in making August a meaningful and successful month for my Christian constituents. The collaborative celebration truly highlighted the appreciation and respect for the Virgin Mary as a cornerstone of the Christian faith.