On August 15th we celebrate the Feast of Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mary as well as our Independence Day. While Independence Day is symbolic of political liberation, the feast day of The Assumption of Our Mother Mary is complete liberation from anything that binds us. Since 1947 onwards the Indian Church became extremely happy as Aug 15 became the Independence Day and in its liturgy, prayers and hymns for the day, a special thanksgiving prayer for the Independence of India was also included.
The tradition of Assumption Day dates back to the fifth and sixth century. Pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitution of 1950 set forth the Dogma on Virgin Mary “that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
Blessed Virgin Mary enjoys a special status in the history of Salvation. She was chosen to be the mother of God and conceived Jesus without sin not by natural means but by the power of the Holy Spirit. Known as ‘Mediatrix” or mediator between God and Man she plays a special role of interceding with Jesus on behalf of human beings.
As Christians we are called to analyse culture, aided by the Holy Spirit, to heal, elevate and purify those elements within it which run contrary to the Gospel. But regardless of the strength, duration and outcome of the storm in which we are immersed, as Christians, as men and women informed by the light of faith, we will not lose hope. As St. Theresa of Avila said, God alone suffices. Our hope does not rest on the passing form of this world (1 Cor. 7:31), but on the promises of Christ and the glorious future that awaits us, for “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:9).
As people of this country in today’s Indian situation we shall keenly observe the moves of Political, religious and social leaders and will support their plans if they are in tune with the Constitution of the country, which will preserve the integrity of the nation, and promote communal peace, which will take the country to a higher level in the field of education, health – care, economic growth and social peace.
As we complete 76 years of independence and celebrate the seventy-seventh Independence day, let us pray for our country India through the intercession of Mary, Queen and Mother of us all.
And here I take the liberty to quote the Holy See Pope Francis The feast of the Assumption of Mary is an invitation to everyone, “especially for those who are afflicted by doubt and sadness, and live gazing downward,” he said.
“Let us look on high,” he said, where Mary awaits. “She loves us, she smiles at us and she comes to our aid with haste.”
Just as every mother wants what is best for her children, “she tells us, ‘You are precious in God’s eyes; you were not made for measly worldly gratifications, but for the great joys of heaven.
In life, it is important to seek what is truly great, “otherwise we get lost” chasing so many trivial things.
“Mary shows us that if we want our life to be happy, God goes first because only He is great.
“Instead, how often we live chasing things that don’t matter: prejudices, grudges, rivalries, jealousies, illusions, superfluous material goods. How much pettiness in life!”
But today, “Mary invites us to lift our gaze up to the great things that the Lord has done for her” and reminds people that the Lord also does great things for them.
“Let us be attracted by true beauty, let us not be swallowed up by the petty things of life, but let us choose the greatness of heaven.
Wishing you all a happy Independence Day and feast of Assumption of Our Blessed Virgin Mother Mary.
-Gladys Da Silva (Ward 3)