This morning, all teachers and students began our school year celebrating Mass on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every class from Pre-K through 8th grade joined together to celebrate this holy day of obligation. The children did great – and it was fantastic to see everyone together, especially all of the students in older grades who were paired up with their buddies.

This is the day that Catholics around the world honor Mary as the Mother of God and remember that she was taken up body and soul into heaven after she died. 

August 15th commemorates Mary’s Assumption, not her Ascension. Christ ascended into heaven via His own power and Mary was taken up to heaven by the power of God. The Assumption of Mary is something God did for her. It is the result of Christ’s redemptive power applied to His Blessed Mother.

The dogma of the Assumption means that the Virgin Mary now experiences in heaven the union of a glorified body and soul, which her Son enjoys. She is no disembodied spirit, but a complete human person, body and soul, matter and spirit, reigning with Christ. Mary’s feast reminds us that we are created for the glory of God and to be with God for all eternity.  She is the best role model we have of what it means to follow God’s will. 

Hail Mary full of Grace.