Towards the Feast of the Assumption

Painted by Grace Gifford Plunkett in her cell in Kilmainham Jail.

Towards the Feast of the Assumption: The old Catholic Encyclopedia, published before the dogma of the Assumption of Mary was defined by Pope Pius XII in 1950, is nonetheless edifying in what it says about the Feast which the Church celebrates on August 15...



Read The Pilot for the rest of the article.  It's a Holy Day of Obligation and while the pews aren't filled as they are on a Sunday, there are a surprising amount of people, especially considering when the parish offers a selection of Masses to accommodate people's schedules.  I credit it to the love the people have for the Blessed Mother.



Catholics have a soft spot for Mary.

Assumptions

Did you know that there are three assumptions in the Bible?  I was reading Shamless Popery and learned:

 There are Two Assumptions in the Bible Besides Mary’s: While Jesus wasn’t assumed into Heaven, at least two other people in Scripture were (besides Mary). The Old Testament hints that Enoch was assumed (Genesis 5:24), and the New Testament says so explicitly (Hebrews 11:5). The Old Testament explicitly says that Elijah was assumed (2 Kings 2:11).

We will be too.  Read Romans 8: 29-30

For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified.

We will be with Jesus, if we stay true to Him.

1.  Enoch

2. Elijah

3. Mary

4.  Me

The Howl of the Dragon

Revelation 11:19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab always made me shudder.  Imagine going through childbirth and having an evil creature waiting to catch your newborn.  That's a nightmare for sure.

Since today is the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this very scripture was the reading.

She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth....Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth, to devour her child when she gave birth.

The image is really alive for me since my daughter gave birth four days ago.  I pray I don't have nightmares.

Her child was caught up to God and his throne.

There is a happy ending.  Deo Gratias!

But that dragon is still out there.  Don't forget that.  Think of all the hostilities all over the world.  That dragon has hold and wants to swallow us.  But remember, you know the end of the story.  He doesn't win.  The dragon has been defeated.  He still prowls around and makes horrible bellowing noises and creates disorder, but we must stay focused on God.

Now have salvation and power come/ and the Kingdom of our God/ and the authority of his Anointed One.

Birthdays

Personalize your own digital greeting

Not only is today the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but also the birthday of my son, Mark.

Happy Birthday Mark,
Love and Prayers,
Mom & Dad

Assumption

The Pope has only spoken infallibly twice in the history of the Papacy. And both had to do with Mary. Being a Dominican, I know the first--The Immaculate Conception. (AQ was wrong.) The second time was in 1950, when Pope Pius XII declared the doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Enjoy the feast.

Assumption

God is glorified in Mary, who was taken into heaven and intercedes for us in her loving kindness.

I just love the saint on the left.

St. Dominic you chose Mary to be the patroness of your Order of Preachers. May her mantle always cover us with the fullness of grace to bring His Word to the world.

O Lord, you chose Mary to be the Mother of Jesus and the mother of the Church. Bless all of us who follow her example and bring Christ to the world.