Mary In All of Her Glory

August 15 is an awesome feast in which we celebrate 
Mary, the Mother of God, falling asleep and awakening in heaven. 
Ukrainian Catholics refer to it as the 

Dormition of the Theotokos.

This extraordinary icon depicts Mary lying on her deathbed, 

surrounded by the Apostles, while Jesus holds her soul, 

seen as a newborn child wrapped in swaddling clothes. 

How remarkable that, at her passing, the circle of life 

for the Mother of Life was then made eternally complete!

There are no relics of Mary, confirming the traditional belief that

she miraculously ascended into heaven - body and soul.  

Picture her literally standing before the throne of God, 

interceding on our behalf, with a compassionate heart and  

a sincere desire that we come to know 
the healing power of Her Son.

Also called the Assumption, this feast day foreshadows

our personal resurrection from death to new life. It also represents 
the fervent hope of every Catholic that, at the hour of our death,

passage into heavenly glory will come peacefully. 

Flowers and healing herbs are blessed during the 

Divine Liturgy on August 15, as it has been said that, after Mary's 
assumption, her tomb was filled with a "heavenly fragrance". 
To this day, pilgrims travel to Jerusalem to visit this holy place and 
faithfully receive extraordinary grace.  It is our confident prayer that 
what we bring to have blessed at the Liturgy also become 
a sacred source of both hope and healing.  

"Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary, 

that never has it been known that anyone who 
fled to Your protection, implored Your help, 
or sought Your intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto You,

O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother,

To You do we come, before You we stand, 
sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, 
despise not our petitions,

but in Your mercy, hear and answer us.  Amen."

                                                                                                    The Memorarae