Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today, we commemorate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 974) teaches, “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son’s Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of his Body.”

In 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the dogma of the Assumption, marking this a major feast day and acknowledging the beliefs held by the faithful from the early Church. It celebrates the joyful transition from Mary’s earthly presence to her reunion with her son, the Christ, in the glory of heaven.

In saying “yes” to God, Mary freely chose to do God’s will and became the mother of our Lord. Although born without sin, she still experienced all the joy, sorrow, and pain of being a human mother, watching her son grow, suffer, and die on the cross. Through the divine grace bestowed on her, Mary fulfilled her role in God’s plan of salvation. She serves as our model of perfect love and obedience. Mary’s Assumption into heaven is the fullness of redemption through her Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is the same redemption promised to all of us. May we join with Mary, our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, for our souls to proclaim the greatness of the Lord; may our spirits rejoice in God our Savior!

Let us pray:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.