It is Monday morning as I write this column and I am preparing to leave for vacation early tomorrow. For all forty-four years of ministry  I have taken summer vacation during this month of August. I find it the best time to be reenergized for the coming of fall and the resumption of all the regular activities in the parish. 

   On this coming Monday, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. While this day is not a holyday of obligation this year because it falls on a Monday, abutting the weekend, we nevertheless celebrate the essence of its mystery. 

   Once again, the church sets aside a special day during the year to highlight the important role that Mary, the Blessed Mother, played in the whole history of salvation. During the course of the year, we celebrate the events in her life that mark how God selected her and chose her to be the mother of His Son: her birth, the Annunciation, the Birth of Jesus, and finally her Assumption into heaven.

   Mary becomes the model for all of us in faith. In her humility and faithfulness, she gave her ‘yes’ to the angel and allowed God to literally work through her to bring the savior into the world. Mary undoubtedly was perplexed by the events of her life, but she nonetheless trusted in God’s Word and His promise. 

   Mary, the Mother of God, becomes our great intercessor with her son. For her indispensable role in salvation, she is admired and venerated by all. May we all find support and sustenance in her as our loving Mother as well!