Friday, August 15, 2025
Celebrated every year on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is important to many Catholics and Orthodox Christians as the day that Mary was received into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. This is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year; please stop into a Church to pray during the day to honor our Blessed Mother on this special day.
Can you imagine what a moment the Assumption must have been for Mary! In describing the scene, some Church Fathers spoke of Jesus Himself coming back to Earth to take His mother and bring her to her Heavenly home.
Many years ago, St. John Paul II said that the Assumption truly was an event of love, in which Mary’s ardent longing to be with her Son was finally fulfilled. In fact, many paintings of the Assumption portray Mary rising in splendor on a cloud to Heaven, received by the angels with trumpets and celebration, and reunited joyfully with her beloved Son.
In light of the Assumption of Mary, it is easy to pray her Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) with new meaning. In her glory, she proclaims the greatness of the Lord and finds joy in God, her Savior. God has done marvels to her and she leads others to recognize God’s holiness. She is the lowly handmaid who deeply reverenced her God and has been raised to Heavenly heights.
Who can describe the benefits of devotion to Mary? She not only listens, she anticipates our petitions, and grants them beyond all expectations. Let us make every effort to guard our devotion to Mary as a precious treasure.
Let us take Mary for our Mother and let us pray to her every morning and evening, and in life’s difficult trials Mary will comfort and save us.
On this special day, let us join in her joy and happiness.
The Almighty has done great things for me, And Holy is His Name.