“The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold” (Ps 45:10).
Dear Marian Helpers and Members of our Marian Family,
Just a quick note that this year, since 15 August is a Saturday, the Solemnity of the Assumption is transferred in some countries (like England and Wales) to Sunday, 16 August. In others, it remains on 15 August and is a holy day of obligation. Please check your local parish Mass times to make sure, so that you’re able to participate in this holy and wonderful feast!
The Assumption, like all Marian feasts, isn’t actually about Mary alone. Instead, it’s about the power of God at work in the life of a woman who allowed herself to be filled totally, utterly and completely by the love and grace of God. In all things, she focused on the Lord and gave all praise and glory to Him.
We see this in our Gospel for the Assumption. Elizabeth, her cousin and friend, has just exclaimed how blessed Mary is for bearing the Saviour. Mary immediately turns this praise and adulation around, acknowledging that it is only through this mysterious gift from above that she is able to be called “blessed among women”. Her soul magnifies the Lord and her spirit rejoices in God her Saviour.
In all things, Mary continually points to her son. As the woman who fights the dragon, she does so on behalf of us, her children, so that we may fight against sin and grow in union with God. In our life of prayer, she intercedes for us and teaches us what prayer is and how to do it. In our life of suffering, she walks alongside us as the Mother of Sorrows, showing us that suffering is not pointless but, when united with the sufferings of Christ, can be a great source of grace for us and for the world.
Above all, the Assumption shows us that God rewards fidelity to His will and His voice. Mary always listened to the voice of the Lord and acted on it. We are called to do the same! By listening to His Word and responding to His grace, we too grow in holiness. And as Mary was brought body and soul into the glory of Heaven, her Assumption reminds us of the destiny for which God created each one of us: eternal life with Him.
The Assumption is a time to honour and venerate the Virgin Mary, our Mother and the Mother of Christ, who is both God and man. I strongly encourage you to pray a Rosary on this special day and, if praying the Rosary is already part of your daily spiritual practice (well done, by the way), find another way to honour Our Lady.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary keep you safe beneath her mantle, intercede for you and your loved ones and be for you a constant source of strength and encouragement as she leads you ever closer to her Son!
May God bless you now and always!
Fr Alex Pumphrey, MIC
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Contact >Father Alex at info@divinemercy.org.uk
Please send us your prayer intentions! (click here). We will place them at the foot of our altar in the Divine Mercy Apostolate’s Chapel here in West Ealing, London and will remember them in our daily Chaplets of Divine Mercy
