The miraculous assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the end of her life into Heaven is celebrated on August 15 in the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Every Catholic man can grow in happiness by building the Virtue of Piety so he can more consistently honor an seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and grow in the Virtue of Obedience by seeking the Blessed Virgin Mary’s help.
Commentary
The Blessed Virgin Mary travels some 80 miles (likely protected by St. Joseph on the dangerous journey) to the hill country of Judea to help her elderly kinswoman Elizabeth in her miraculous pregnancy. Though the Blessed Virgin Mary is only a few weeks into her pregnancy, Elizabeth is moved by the Holy Spirit, recognizing the Blessed Virgin Mary’s miraculous conception (“Blessed are you…blessed is the fruit of your womb”) and exalts the Blessed Virgin Mary as “the mother of my Lord.” Mysteriously, the Blessed Virgin Mary’s voice is heard by John the Baptist, still three months away from birth in Elizabeth’s womb, and causes John to leap with joy.
The Magnificat (Latin: “magnifies”) begins with the Blessed Virgin Mary’s grateful response to the blessings of God. She acknowledges she is a simple and humble handmaiden (Greek word, doulé, means “female slave”) who solely exists to do God’s will (“My soul magnifies the Lord”). Astoundingly, the Blessed Virgin Mary prophetically announces, “all generations will call me blessed.” Mary glorifies God and His intervention in the lives of men across time.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been believed and celebrated since the earliest days of the Church and was formally declared an infallible dogma by Pope Pius XII in 1950, which recognizes after her life on earth was fulfilled, the Blessed Virgin Mary was “taken up body and soul into heavenly glory” (CCC 966, 974, 2177, 2853). The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holy day of obligation which reminds Catholics of Mary’s unique participation in her Son’s Resurrection and of the hopeful anticipation of the resurrection of all the Catholic faithful.
Be awed by Jesus Christ
Despite being the Son of God, Jesus, in His human nature, “grew in wisdom and stature” (Lk 2:52) in the Holy Family under the watchful and magnificent guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the perfect heroic virtue of St. Joseph. Marvel at how the Son of Mary was inspired by the Holy Mother of God with prayers such as the powerful and enduring Magnificat, just one beautiful example of prayer Jesus heard from His mother (CCC 2599).
Honor and seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Realize: The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated in the Church (CCC 1172) as the Holy Mother of God (CCC 466, 495, 509); every Catholic man has the astounding and powerful blessing to be able to turn to the Holy Mother at any time.
Believe: Reflect upon the Blessed Virgin’s perfect example of Holiness (CCC 2030), Obedience of Faith (CCC 144, 148-149, 494), Hope (CCC 64), Witness to the Faith (CCC 165, 273) and Intercession (CCC 1014, 1053, 2618).
Pray: Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray that I grow in the Virtue of Piety (a part of Justice) so I honor your Assumption, I venerate you through Marian devotions, and I seek your intercession, saying, “pray for us now and at the hour of our death.”
Seek the Blessed Virgin Mary’s help to grow in obedience
Realize: Because the Immaculate Conception was born without sin (CCC 490-493, 2853), the Blessed Virgin Mary is the only human who has ever perfectly heard and obediently done God’s will.
Believe: Reflect upon the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Perfect Obedience (CCC 144, 148-149, 490, 494, 2617).
Pray: Blessed Virgin Mary, pray that I grow in the Virtue of Obedience (a part of Justice) so I turn from my selfish desire, I seek to imitate your perfect obedience, and continually offer my own little fiat (“yes”) to God’s will in all things.