St. Mary's Malaga annually celebrates the Feast of the Assumption as its special feast day. The 11:30 mass (the one we happened to attend) was wonderful and the church itself was packed to the gills. It was standing room only.

This year we were blessed with what was probably some of the strangest weather in the history of the feast. In August, of all months, we had not only quite the storm--including dark, foreboding skies and lots of rain--but also hail throughout South Jersey!

Even more amazing, though, is the fact that so many stuck around throughout the day despite the rainstorm. People retreated to the basement or took cover under awnings and tents until it let up somewhat. Some even stayed in line to get their chicken! Boy that chicken must be pretty good.

Moreover, the storm did not begin until after the procession to Our Lady in the Rosary Garden had concluded. We even had a respite from the rain for some traditional Italian dances. It was a lot of fun.

We at St. Mary's count ourselves blessed always. God gives us so much--a beautiful church, a strong and holy pastor, fervent and abiding faith, the undiluted Truth is desired and preached here (not something to be taken for granted today), Eucharistic adoration is available 3 days a week, there are so many activities and groups, and miraculously there exists a real community of faith where people know and can depend upon one another. Our Lady really looks after little St. Mary's. So with all that, what's a little rain?

First we had mass. Then,
        we prayed & processed...





Then we got a little something to eat, listened to the band (which, later on, played straight through all the rain!) and the kids went on the big, inflatable slides and things.









Thank you for sending in the pictures! I'm sure many of you have more pictures, so feel free to send them in. We can also put up video, if you have that.