Letter from the Pastor
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August 10, 2025This Friday, August 15th is the Assumption of our Blessed Lady. It is a Holyday of Obligation. The feast is also known as the Natale (the re-birth) or the Dormitio (the falling-asleep) of Mary. This feast was celebrated as early as the 5th century. On this day, we remember the time when Mary’s earthly life was completed and was saved from the ravages of bodily decay because of death.
There is of course no direct basis in scripture for Mary’s Assumption; there are however, passages from the Psalms, Song of Songs and the Book of Revelation that foreshadow Mary’s assumption.
The Assumption, originally called, the “Memory of Mary” has been celebrated as a solemn feast on August 15th since ancient times. The feast was celebrated first in Palestine, and then the emperor extended it to all the churches in the East. Finally, in the seventh century, it began to be celebrated in Rome. Soon the name was changed to the "Assumption of Mary," since it declared that she had been taken up, body and soul, into heaven.
The belief was ancient, dating back to the apostles themselves. What was clear from the beginning was that there were no relics of Mary to be venerated, and that an empty tomb stood on the edge of Jerusalem near the site of her death. That location also soon became a place of pilgrimage, today the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition of Mary stands on the spot.
The feast days of the Church are not just the commemoration of historical events; they do not look only to the past. They look to the present and to the future and give us an insight into our own relationship with God. The Assumption looks to eternity and gives us hope, if we like Mary, accept and follow God’s will, and are faithful.
Also, on this day is the Blessing of the Seas, and all those who enter the water on this day receives “the cure”. Many of the parishes along the shore go in procession to the ocean and bless the waters and toss garlands of flowers into the sea. The blessed waters are believed to also bring healing for those most in need.
Have a blessed Assumption Friday, and if you can, jump into the ocean!
It is the beginning of the season for tears of sadness or joy. We say farewell to our young parishioners who are leaving home for college. We will miss seeing you every week, but know of our prayers and remember, we are only a phone call away. Go to Mass, say your prayers and don’t look for trouble! And above all, call your Mom.