This Thursday 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, as reported in the media outlet, “Vatican News”, he stated that Mary, “small and humble, has been raised up and – we celebrate this today – brought to the glory of Heaven, while the powerful of the world are destined to remain empty-handed. Our Lady, in other words, announces a radical change, an overturning of values.” He encouraged the faithful to, like Mary, focus on spiritual and heavenly values, not earthly ones. Pope Francis has again invited 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” from the media outlet, “Prayerist” encourages us to truly appreciate the assistance of Mary on our journey of faith:
Almighty and everlasting God,
You have taken up body and soul into heavenly glory the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Your Son.
Grant, we beseech You, that, ever intent upon heavenly things, we may be worthy to be partakers of her glory.
Through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, 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 Wednesday evening at 7 pm, and Masses at convenient times during the day on Thursday. Please read below for details.
Encouraged by the Assumption of Mary, we are invited to look to Mary as a model of faith and respond in generous love to the call of her Divine Son.
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, intercede for us.
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us.
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Holy Day Mass Times Are:
Wednesday, August 14 Vigil at 7:00 PM, and Thursday, August 15 at 6:30 AM, 9:00 AM (with Holy Redeemer), 12:00 Noon and 7:00 PM.
Confessions and Evening prayer are NOT scheduled Wednesday evening.