Mary is the model of perfect love and obedience to Christ. The Church honors her as the Mother of God, looks to her as an example for her discipleship and asks for her prayers to God on our behalf.
Today we continue to look to her as an example and aid in discerning our response to the Gospel call to live our faith. As our mother, she is an example of a committed “Yes” to the will of God. Many people ask her for help in the most difficult times of their lives.
By adhering to the Father’s will, to His Son’s redemptive work and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity. We pray that we can respond to God’s call to holiness for our lives in the way that Mary did.
Fittingly, the Church celebrates many feast days dedicated to Mary throughout the liturgical year, like this week’s feast of the Assumption on Aug. 15.
The Church teaches that Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven. In this issue’s Steadfast in Faith section, Father Scott Jones, pastor of Sts. Bridget and Teresa Parish, explains what the Assumption can teach us about our own final destiny.
“We…believe that the human person consists of a soul and a body; both were redeemed by Christ. Both are by design included in God’s plan for our eternity. By a singular grace, Mary is now what we will one day be,” Father Jones said.
Since Aug. 15 falls on a Monday this year, the solemnity of the Assumption is not a holy day of obligation. But that doesn’t mean we should ignore the feast! Our mother is always worth celebrating.
Why not take this opportunity to celebrate the goodness of both our bodies and our souls? If you’re able, go to Mass, and receive our Lord into your body and heart. Visit a church named for the Assumption or another title of Mary — there are many throughout the archdiocese. Cook a special meal. Treat yourself to ice cream. Go shopping for food pantry donations, or give away clothes. Call your mom and tell her you love her.
And spend some time asking for Mary’s help to become more like her, that we, too, may one day enjoy the heavenly kingdom with our Lord.
Regina Coeli
Queen of Heaven, rejoice. Alleluia.
For He, whom thou wast worthy to bear. Alleluia.
Has risen as He said. Alleluia.
Pray for us to God. Alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.
R. Because the Lord is truly risen, Alleluia.
Let us pray
O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast been pleased to give joy to the whole world, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.