The privileged one Each year on August, 15th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. This normally is a Holy Day of Obligation for Latin Rite Catholics (that’s us), but because this year the feast fell on a Saturday Catholics were not obliged to attend the Holy Mass. What is so special about what we celebrate on this day that would motivate the Church to oblige Catholics to attend Mass? We need to first make it clear that having the obligation to attend Mass for such an occasion is actually an enormous privilege because it is meant to help increase our knowledge and love of the Lord and His wonderful plan of salvation for us. This is precisely what we get a greater glimpse of when we ponder and celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. What exactly is the Assumption of Mary? Here is what the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soulinto heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death” (CCC 966; emphasis mine). Not only was Mary preserved from the stain of original sin from the moment of her conception, but even at the end of her life here on earth Jesus granted her a unique participation in His triumph over death. God did not permit her body to undergo corruption; rather, body and soul united, she was assumed into heaven. Therefore, Mary participates in a unique way in Jesus’ conquering of both sin (via the Immaculate Conception) and death (via the Assumption). Although the blessings to Mary are unique to her alone, the Assumption of Mary into heaven foreshadows for all the faithful God’s ultimate plan for us. Unless Jesus comes again within the next 150 years, we will all experience death in the ordinary way (separation of body and soul). Still, it is our great joy as Christians to proclaim in faith that God will raise our bodies from the dead, unite them again to our souls that we might live in a new and glorified state with God forever in heaven, just like Mary is enjoying now. Therefore, as we celebrate the Assumption of Mary into heaven, our hearts rightfully look forward in hope for God’s plan of salvation to be fulfilled. Mary, assumed into heaven and Queen of heaven and earth, pray for us! God bless you and know of my prayers for you! Sincerely, Fr. Stiles