FROM THE PRIEST’S CORNER: FR. JUSTUS ALAETO

BE CLOSE TO MARY AND EXPERIENCE THE LOVING POWER OF GOD'S GRACE!

This year, we are once again celebrating the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  We have so many things to learn about this important Solemnity of the Assumption every year.  The Lord has something to teach us from the life of our Blessed Mother at all times, and Mary has many things to teach us about Christ and our salvation.

Every August fifteenth, the Church celebrates that Mary was assumed bod and soul into Heaven.  Normally, the Church celebrates the feast of some sait on a particular day suitable or designed for that particular saint.  But what makes the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin unique and different, is that even though Mary currently enjoys the beautific vision of God's glory, she is not only with her soul alone.  The Blessed Virgin Mary was re-united with her son, both with "her body" and "her soul".  That makes Mary a unique being different from any other person created by God.  The Church teaches that "at the end of her earthly life, Mary's body as well as her soul was assumed into heaven by the loving power of God."

Also, Mary preserved her virginity throughout her life.  There was in her personality and attitude, a strong love, commitment, and faithfulness to God.  She never failed in her faithfulness and promises to God.  We can learn from her life how possible and powerful the Grace of God in our life can be.  Finally, with her love, humility, and as she declared herslef, "the handmaid of the Lord," she proclaims with ther words and her life, the dignity and sanctity of human life, especially the poor.  That can be noticed in her Magnificat when she says: "He has scattered the proud in their conceit and has raised up the lowly."  That teaches us that God values everyone around us, and all life is sacred to God.  May this Feast of the Assumption teach us through Mary, the perseverance of relying soley on the Grace and Power of God.  Happy Assumption!