Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven

“For today the Virgin Mother of God was assumed into heaven as the beginning and image of your Church coming to perfection.”

Today’s Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is significant for you and I who love Our Mother of Perpetual Help. We have a hint of just how significant in the words of the first reading which is taken from the book of Revelation.

“God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the Ark of the Covenant could be seen in the temple.” (Rev 11:19)

This Ark of the Covenant is symbolic of the Mother of God. We have this illustrated in the iconography of our beloved icon. In the original icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, each figure’s placement symbolizes the Ark of the Covenant.

Today, on this feast, renew your love and devotion to Mary.

When you look at the icon, you see Mary in the center holding the infant Christ in her arms with the angels on each side. Read how the Ark is described in Exodus 25:1-40. In the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Mary is placed in the same position as the Ark. From early Christian times, the Fathers of the Church have seen Mary as symbolic of the New Ark of the Covenant.

Through Christ, the promise of our own resurrection is reflected in Mary’s Assumption. I ask you to join the church by praying with great jubilation on this day!

You and I too carry the living Christ in us. Like Our Mother of Perpetual Help, we become an “Ark”, bringing the presence of Christ wherever we go.

Mary is the New Ark because of what she bore in her womb. The incarnate Word of God is present within her like the presence of God that dwelt in the Ark of ancient times.

“A great sign appeared in the sky: A woman clothed with the sun with the moon under her feet and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev.12:1) 

Let's ask our Blessed Mother to continue to reveal the path of salvation to us which leads to her son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.