This Tuesday, August 15th, we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Catechism states that “…the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.”
Our Holy Father Pope Francis has a great devotion to Mary. Speaking recently about this great feast, he stated, “Mary sings of hope and rekindles hope in us. She is the first creature who with her whole self, body, and soul, victoriously crosses the finish line of Heaven.” He also noted, “She shows us that Heaven is within our reach if we too do not give in to sin if we praise God in humility and serve others generously. She, our Mother, takes us by the hand, she accompanies us to glory, she invites us to rejoice as we think of Heaven.”
Pope Francis also has encouraged Catholics, in addition to attending Mass, to visit a Marian shrine or pray before a statue of Mary, or acknowledge her in some special way on the feast of the Assumption.
The following “Prayer for the Feast of the Assumption” by the media outlet, “Prayerist” encourages us to truly appreciate the assistance of Mary on our journey of faith:
Almighty God, You gave a humble Virgin
the privilege of being the mother of Your Son
and crowned her with the glory of heaven.
May the prayers of the Virgin Mary
bring us to the salvation of Christ
and raise us up to eternal life.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God forever and ever. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the feast of the Assumption is a Holy Day of Obligation, and Catholics are obliged to attend Mass. We will have a Vigil Mass on Monday evening at 7 pm, and Masses on Tuesday, August 13th at 6:60 AM, 9:00 AM, 12 Noon, and 7:00 PM in the church.
Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are invited to look to Mary as a model of faith and respond in generous love to our call to discipleship.
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.