The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary explained
On this particular day, the Church commemorates the Paschal mystery of Christ in a distinct manner, reflecting upon the exceptional bond between the Virgin Mary and her Son. It acknowledges the truth that, upon the culmination of her earthly existence, Mary was lifted into heaven with her physical body intact.
The Solemnity of the Assumption observes the eternal joy and splendor that all believers are beckoned to partake in. We hold the conviction that this joy and splendor will be bestowed upon us in the Heavenly realm.
On August 15th, we also honor the feast of Our Lady of La Vang, denoting the title assigned to an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1798. This manifestation occurred among a gathering of Vietnamese Catholics who had sought sanctuary in the rainforests of La Vang in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. While the Holy See hasn’t formally endorsed this apparition, the solace and motivation offered by Our Lady during the event have transformed into a wellspring of immense bravery and solace for Vietnamese Catholics all across the globe.
For prayer and reflection
“Brothers and sisters, Mary today sings of hope and rekindles hope in us. In her, we see the destination of our journey. She is the first creature who, with her whole self, body and soul, victoriously crosses the finish line of Heaven. She shows us that Heaven is within reach. How come? Yes, Heaven is within reach, if we too do not give in to sin, if we praise God in humility and serve others generously.”—Pope Francis
On this day we also remember the Franciscan lay brother Blessed Claudio Granzotto. A gifted artist, Blessed Claudio was also known for his prayerful spirit and charity to the poor. He died on August 15, 1900, in San Lucia di Piave, Treviso, Italy, and was beatified in 1994.
On this day: The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us pray to God to share in the merit of her glory.
Prayer
Almighty ever-living God,
who assumed the Immaculate Virgin Mary, the Mother of your Son,
body and soul into heavenly glory,
grant, we pray,
that, always attentive to the things that are above,
we may merit to be sharers of her glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)
