Next Saturday, 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 Leo, has a great devotion to Mary and has encouraged the faithful to identify with her. As reprted in the media outlet “Aleteia”, he stated, “when in this life we ‘choose life’, we are right to see in Mary, assumed into heaven, our own destiny. She is given to us as the sign that the Resurrection of Jesus was no isolated event, no mere exception. In Christ, we, too, can ‘swallow up death.’” Pope Leo further noted, “Mary is that wonderous union of grace and freedom, which urges each of us to have trust, courage and participation in the life of God’s people.”
The following “A Prayer for the Assumption’s Grace”, provided by the media outlet “Prayerlit”, encourages us to look to Mary as a model of discipleship:
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the example of Mary’s life, and her Assumption into Heaven.
May her unwavering faith inspire me to trust in Your divine plan and to remain steadfast in my devotion.
Help me to live each day with gratitude and humility, reflecting the grace that You have given me. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are reminded that the feast of the Assumption is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year, but it is still a special day, and provides an opportunity for us to honor our Blessed Mother. Mary is the mother of Jesus, the mother of our Church, and our mother. She is a model of faithful discipleship.
We will have Vigil Masses on Friday evening at 5 pm and 7 pm, and Masses at 9 am and 11 am on Saturday.
Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are challenged to keep our focus on the example of Mary as we continue on our journey of faith.
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.