Dear Fellow Parishioners:

“By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us either, and that if we live with our gaze fixed on eternal goods we will one day share in this same glory and the earth will become more beautiful.” These are the words of Pope Benedict XVI speaking on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (also know by Eastern Orthodox Catholics as the Dormition or falling asleep) into heaven, which we celebrate this Sunday, August 15th. For hundreds of years, Catholics around the world observed the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15 – celebrating Mary’s being taken bodily to Heaven after her death – but it was not until 1950 that the Church proclaimed this teaching a dogma of the church, one of the essential beliefs of the Catholic faith.

The Feast of the Assumption has always been loved dearly by the faithful. It is a sign to us that someday, through God’s grace and our efforts, we too may join the Blessed Mother in giving glory to God. The Assumption is a great source of hope for us, too, for it points the way for all followers of Christ who imitate her fidelity and obedience to God’s will. Mary being taken to heaven after her life was ended is the logical outcome of her immaculate nature, uniquely protected by God’s grace from personal sin. We seek to imitate her self-sacrificing love, her indestructible faith and her perfect obedience.

Mary’s life here on earth was not an easy one. As a young girl, she took the leap of trust, saying “yes” to the Angel. She was obedient in all things, keeping distress and pain in her heart, turning only to God for comfort. She cradled the Son of God in her arms both at the beginning and end of his life. She held her son’s hand as he learned to walk and play, and tenderly touched his bloody face on the road to Calvary. And finally, she embraced him in thanksgiving after his Resurrection. She held the Word of God made flesh in her heart and in her body and allowed his presence to transform her life.

Mary, Mother of God, pray for me.
Mary, my Mother, show me the way.
Walk with me always that I may have courage.
Be a peaceful presence for me and calm my anxious spirit.
Teach me to say “yes.”
Teach me to allow your son’s presence to transform my life.
Teach me to open my heart so that God can enlarge it.
Teach me to find joy in the journey.
Teach me how to “be” with my suffering.
Help me to be a home for others.
Help me to say “I am here” and let my presence be the gift I give the people in my life.
Help me to be open to the grace of trust.
Help me to let myself be loved by your Son.
Mary, my Mother, show me the way.

Yours on the journey,

Annette Roux, Pastoral Associate/Director of Faith Formation