Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Today's Mass Readings

 

“A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Today we celebrate the great feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when she was assumed body and soul into heaven. I remember 11 years ago today, saying this prayer to both my heavenly patron and the Blessed Mother, as I was getting prepared to make my first profession of vows:

O Holy and Immaculate Virgin, as you were assumed body and soul into heaven, and as St. Maximilian Kolbe’s body was cremated in the Auschwitz crematorium, I ask you to bless me and this calling, though very unworthy, that I am to receive, to make it a perfect oblation in the eyes of the Lord so that he may use me as he wishes. I ask you, O Immaculata and St. Maximilian Kolbe, bless this community of monks, and may they have a devotion to you, so that they may become closer to your Son’s Sacred Heart. Amen.

A very happy feast day of the Assumption. Know of my prayers for all of you daily.

Reflection by Br. Maximilian Burkhart, OSB