Bishop's Message: Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!

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On August 15, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this solemnity we profess the dogma that Mary, free from original sin and sinless throughout her earthly life, was assumed into heaven body and soul. In her perpetual state of grace and perfection, death had no hold on her, as her rightful place is and has always been to be totally united with God the Father and her son, Jesus. 

In Luke’s Gospel account, we hear Mary’s prayer -- The Magnificat, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior….” Mary, more perfectly than any other person, reflects the joy that we are invited to share today. She is the first disciple to see the face of God. Mary accompanied Jesus, the second person of the Trinity, in his earthly ministry. Moreover, Mary remained faithful as Jesus suffered on the cross and he gave us Mary to be our mother who watches, guides and protects us, her children. As members of the Body of Christ that form the Church, like Mary, we are promised a full share in the Risen Lord’s victory over death. Pope Francis said that the Assumption shines “as a sign of sure hope and solace to the People of God during its sojourn on earth.” 

Though the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is typically a holy day of obligation, this year, because it falls on a Monday, we are dispensed from this obligation. However, that day’s Mass will indeed be a solemnity and I encourage each of us to attend Mass if possible and spend time with our Blessed Mother reflecting on her role in bringing us salvation – for it was through Mary that “the Word became flesh and dwelled among us.” (John 1:14)

Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!