Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Painting by Francesco Botticini

St. John Damascene fully supported the idea of the Assumption of Mary, body and soul, into Heaven because he believed that her "pure and sinless body" should not be consigned to the earth. Although the idea is not supported by the Bible, it is a reasonable assumption that Mary would be taken into Heaven in a way similar to that of her Son, Jesus Christ, who was transfigured and taken into Heaven. On August 15th, we honor and celebrate Mary's death and journey home to God the Father.

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary

Father in heaven,
all creation rightly gives you praise,
for all life and all holiness come from you.
In the plan of your wisdom
she who bore the Christ in her womb
was raised body and soul in glory to be with him in heaven.
May we follow her example in reflecting your holiness
and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Dawn Pisturino

August 15, 2023

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven

On August 15th, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, a Holy Day of Obligation.

The Virgin Mary, according to Catholic theology, was born without sin. Filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit, she carried in her womb the Divine Child who would come into the world as a guiding light for all of humanity. It is more than fitting that the Mother of God would not suffer corruption of the body after death but be assumed full-body into Heaven. In fact, it is not clear that she ever died at all. Her tomb in Jerusalem is empty, and there is no tradition that she actually died. What a beautiful way for a Mother and Son to be reunited in heaven!

Let us pray:

Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, I rejoice that after years of heroic martyrdom on earth, you have at last been taken to the throne prepared for you in heaven by the Holy Trinity.

Lift my heart with you in the glory of your Assumption above the dreadful touch of sin and impurity. Teach me how small earth becomes when viewed from heaven. Make me realize that death is the triumphant gate through which I shall pass to your Son, and that someday my body shall rejoin my soul in the unending bliss of heaven.

From this earth, over which I tread as a pilgrim, I look to you for help. I ask for this favor: (Mention your request).

When my hour of death has come, lead me safely to the presence of Jesus to enjoy the vision of my God for all eternity together with you.

Amen.

Dawn Pisturino

August 8, 2021