A Letter From Our Pastor: August 15 – Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Dear Friends in Christ,

One of the great Marian Solemnities celebrated on our Church’s liturgical calendar falls on Aug. 15 — the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is our belief that Mary, at the end of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory by a singular privilege and grace of God.

Biblical evidence for Mary’s Assumption is implied in the Book of Revelation chapter 12. St. John the Beloved records a vision of heavenly glory where he sees “a woman clothed with the sun…” The Church has interpreted this passage as a reference to Mary, the Mother of God.

Apostolic Tradition down through the centuries has also held the belief in Mary’s bodily assumption into heaven. It is a truth confirmed by saints and theologians since the earliest days of the Church, leading to Pope Pius XII’s dogmatic proclamation of Mary’s Assumption in 1950.

Mary was freed from the effects of sin in her Immaculate Conception and therefore, she was freed from the effects of death in her Assumption. Mary was specially graced at the beginning of her life in her Immaculate Conception. Mary was specially graced during her life at the Annunciation and Nativity of Our Lord Jesus. The Assumption reminds us that Mary was specially graced at the conclusion of her life. Her Assumption complements and completes her Immaculate Conception!

Mary's destiny is our destiny! The Assumption is a sign of sure hope and comfort to us, a pilgrim people that where Mary has gone, we hope to follow!

Mary, Queen Assumed into Heaven, pray for us!

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. John Blum, Pastor

Fr. John Blum, Pastor