The Catholic teaching on the Assumption is that, because of her pre-eminent faith and goodness, which was recognized in her being chosen as the mother of God’s Son, Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven at the moment of her death.
The reading from Revelation recognizes Mary’s immense dignity by describing her as the woman adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, with twelve stars of her head as a crown.
The feast of the Assumption teaches us many lessons. Mary’s going to heaven body and soul at her death is a vindication of the goodness of material creation, of our bodies. It reminds us of the central role of women in society, in the life cycle and in the importance of being wives and mothers.
Pope Francis reminds us that in celebrating this feast, we join together throughout the world in looking to Mary as our Mother of the Church and as our Mother of Hope. We look to her for help to guide us in transforming the world in accordance to God’s plan and to be ever present in our society. She shows us that our hope is real and is an antidote to the spirit of despair that tries to seat itself within our societies.
The feast of the Assumption reminds us of the importance of spiritual values, of the reality of the life after death and finally it reminds us of the wonderful eternal future of happiness.
This was also the last Mass that Father Mark will celebrate with us. We have been very blessed to have his wisdom and input over the past years. We have valued his spiritual guidance and the way in which our students have responded to the messages that he delivers. As a foundation staff member and former DRS we must also acknowledge Father Mark’s role in setting up the central framework on which Aquinas College was formed. The College prayer and Touchstones are symbols of this, and these continue to guide and shape our Catholic community. We wish him well in his new parish and may he always know he has a significant place in the heart of Aquinas College.
