By Mary Sayad
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the taking up to heaven of the Blessed Virgin Mary body and soul. Mary is seen as fully sharing in the mystery of Christ's resurrection; a definitive statement of her complete redemption. While her assumption has been a common Catholic belief for at least 1500 years, it was not declared as an article of the faith until 1950. On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary as a dogma of the faith. This is considered the most important feast of Mary which the Church celebrates and it is a Holy Day of Obligation.
Our Blessed Mother was free from original sin, but she experienced many trials and hardships. She loved Our Heavenly Father very much and was extremely humble and obedient to the commandments. Having been dedicated to the temple by her pious parents, Sts. Joachim and Ann at the young age of three, Our Blessed Mother became well versed in the sacred scriptures. Her sanctifying grace enabled her to practice mortifications and fasting. Her love of God was ardent and deeply fervent. Of all God's creatures, she was the humblest.
Mary lived approximately fifteen years after the Ascension of Jesus. Although she suffered much during her life, she was free of wrinkles and her appearance remained the same as when she was thirty-three years old. She fasted and prayed constantly. She lived a self-disciplined life. Our Lady's meals were very light consisting of bread and sometimes some fish. She slept very little. She would awake at midnight and pray until dawn, frequently prostrating herself during her prayers.
She wore very simple garments of white and grey. Mary shared her belongings with the poor and had very few possessions. On special occasions and while with the Apostles, she would wear a white mantle and a veil with a blue scarf decorated with embroidery. She was always gloriously surrounded by angels..
While Jesus fasted in the desert for forty days, she also fasted at home and simultaneously prayed with Him and for Him, especially during His temptations. Many times during their separations, Mary was able to see her son during spiritual visions.
During and before Jesus' ministry, Mary and Joseph visited the sick and the poor. While attending to them, she would gently teach and enlighten them concerning the scriptures and the love of Our Heavenly Father. Mary and Joseph were given the grace to heal the sick and poor people they visited.
Mary's sanctifying grace protected her against the attacks active of Lucifer and his followers. After Jesus' Ascension, she conscientiously converted many people to Christianity. Our Blessed Mother loved the Church and through her prayers, she continues to protect the Church. During her life, in every situation, she was consistently aware of the presence of God. She was 63 years old when she was taken up to her final glory.
Our Blessed Mother dictated her life to four Catholic visionaries or mystics. They are:
By being both thankful to God and charitable to our neighbors, our light will shine in the world and this light has the potential of effecting an epidemic that will flood and embrace us with blessings of peace. Doing the will of God is the essence of holiness.
We must understand that war is a result of sin. The rosary, penance and obedience to Jesus' commandments are the answer to all of our dilemmas. Serenity in our lives is manifested when we learn to trust in Our Heavenly Father's love.
More than ever we need to pray for peace, the safety of our homeland and the safety of our troops. The world is in dire need of God fearing leaders who are not afraid to delegate for the glory of God.
Thank you for your devotions.
Your companion in prayer,