THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION
August 15 is the day that Catholics have long
celebrated what is called the Dormition (falling asleep) or Assumption of the
Virgin Mary. The Feast of the Assumption celebrates both the happy departure of
Mary from this life by her natural death, and her assumption bodily into heaven
The Feast of
the Assumption has always been loved dearly by the faithful who are children of
Mary. 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
source of great hope for us, too, for it points the way for all followers of
Christ who imitate her fidelity and obedience to God's will. Where she now is,
we are meant eventually to be, and may hope to be through Divine grace. Mary's
being taken to heaven after her life on earth was ended is the logical outcome
of her immaculate nature, uniquely protected -- also by God's grace -- from
personal sin. We seek to imitate her self-sacrificing love, her indestructible
faith and her perfect obedience. "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. Consequently, we must
not lose our serenity and peace even amid the thousands of daily difficulties.
The luminous sign of Our Lady taken up into Heaven shines out even more
brightly when sad shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the
horizon.
"We may
be sure of it from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern,
dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her
motherly hand. Supported by awareness of this, let us continue confidently on
our path of Christian commitment wherever Providence may lead us. Let us forge
ahead in our lives under Mary's guidance".
I
wish you happy Independence day and a Happy Feast to all.
Sr. Indra Pauline
