The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.  Revelation 12:1

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Solemnity of the Assumption of our Blessed Mother Mary, a day we honor our Mother Mary. Through her Immaculate Heart and God's grace, she was protected from all sin. Through her example, we try to live in the School of Mary in hope that, through God's grace and our cooperation, we too may join her in giving glory to God.

The Assumption of Mary into Heaven gives us hope because it points the way for us to get to heaven by following Mary. Where Mary is, we hope to be. Mary was taken to heaven, body and soul, after her life on earth was ended.

Brothers and sisters: Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1-2 

"In her, assumed into heaven, we are shown the eternal destiny that awaits us beyond the mystery of death; a destiny of total happiness in Divine glory. This supernatural vision sustains our daily pilgrimage. Mary teaches us about life. By looking to her, we understand better the relative value of earthly greatness and the full sense of our Christian vocation."  Saint John Paul II

May we seek to imitate her love, faith and obedience. Mary said yes to God. She gave her fiat and she chose, with the God’s grace, to preserve her God-given purity throughout her whole life. She knew no sin. Mary stood by Christ under the Cross and she stands by Him bodily at the right hand of the Father, always waiting to intercede for us.

The Queen stands at your right hand, in gold of Ophir. Psalm 45:10

Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled. May we see heaven as our final goal and come to share her glory. Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us and all those for whom we pray.