Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which we celebrate each year on August 15th, is a Holy Day of Obligation. When it occurs on a Sunday, as it does this year, it replaces the normal Sunday Mass.

In today’s gospel, Mary finds confirmation for the angel Gabriel’s proclamation that she would bear a son. Through the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth knows from the sound of Mary’s greeting that this young kinswoman is “the Mother of the Lord.” In Mary, we find the model of discipleship. She accepts her role as the mother of Jesus with great humility and trust. The word of God, planted within the rich soil of
Mary’s soul grows and flowers throughout her life as, with every breath she takes, she lives out her response to
the angel: “May it be done to me according to your word.”