Today - August 15 - we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Assumption means that God takes the individual's body and soul into heaven without him or her suffering death. Images of Mary's assumption depict the Holy Mother in the sky, with saints and believers praying underneath her. These images show that God separated Mary from the rest of the world and assumed her into heaven.

The Assumption is the main celebration of Mary's life and ministry and a fitting feast day to celebrate our school - St Mary’s.

All of Mary's roles - Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, Lady of Sorrows - are tied in with her position in heaven, guiding, watching, and caring for God's children.

As the Holy Mother, Mary's assumption reflects God's promise to all his children. All who obey God and believe, as Mary did, will join God in heaven. All devout Christians live in the hope of new life after death, just as Jesus was raised from the dead on the first Easter.

Catholics hold Mary's assumption as a reminder that God loves them and yearns for them to join Jesus, Mary, and all the saints in heaven.

Prayer for the Assumption of Mary

Father in heaven,

all creation rightly gives You praise,

for all life and all holiness come from You.

In the plan of your wisdom

she who bore Christ in her womb

was raised body and soul in glory

to be with Him in heaven.

May we follow her example

in reflecting your holiness

and join in her hymn of endless love and praise.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.