Today, Catholics around the world celebrate the joyous Assumption of Mary, Mother of God, into Heaven.

At the end of her earthly life, Mary was taken up (assumed) into heaven, body and soul. Pope Pius XII, in defining the Assumption, explains that, “Just as the glorious resurrection of Christ was an essential part and final sign of this victory [over sin and death by Calvary], so that struggle [Calvary] which was common to the Blessed Virgin and her Son, had to be closed by the glorification of her virginal body. [As a result, just as Jesus is now King of the Universe, Mary is Queen of the Universe.] … And her kingdom is as vast as that of her Son and God, since nothing is excluded from her dominion.” (Pope Pius XII, Radio Message to Fatima, “Bendito Seia,” May 13, 1946)

Dearest Mother, we love you. As we contemplate your assumption, body and soul, into Heaven, please strengthen and renew in all of us the desire to be made worthy of the promises of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Enlighten the uncertainties of our minds with your wisdom. Strengthen the weaknesses of our hearts with your power. And fill us with greater faith, hope and love. Amen.