On August 15th the Church around the world, both Catholic and Orthodox celebrate Mary’s entrance into eternal life in heaven.
We will celebrate the feast at the 5:30 PM Mass on Monday, August 14th andd at the 7:30 AM, 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM Masses on Tuesday, August 15th.
Mary had said yes to the Father’s call. She enjoyed all of the joys and blessings that came with the mission God gave her and she endured all of the hardships and sadness that it also brought her. When her life’s journey was complete, like all of the saints, she was granted a share in the fullness of her son Jesus’ victory over death.
Mary is the Mother of God. She is also a devoted disciple. She is a prophet and a faithful servant of God. Her prophetic words still echo through history and inspire believers in each generation:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour
for he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed:
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
the promise he made to our fathers,
to Abraham and his children for ever.