A Sign of Pure Hope

The Solemnity of the Assumption is not only a Holy Day of Obligation in the USA and many other countries, but it is also one of the patronal feasts of the Marist Brothers. Several groups of brothers received the Marist Habit and pronounced their First Vows on this day. The Entrance antiphon for Mass is taken from the Book of Revelation: A great sign appeared in the heavens, a woman clohed with the sun, and the mooon beneath her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Rev. 12.1) Yes, Mary is a great sign: a sign of pure hope and comfort to this pilgrim people who make up the Church, for her bodily presence in heaven is a guarantee that once the Church's mission is completed, each member, body and soul, will live in eternity with the Holy Trinity. Over the centuries, devotion to Mary as mother, as first disiciple, as model of faith has persisted, while she herself in many apparitions has come to her children to remind them, as mother's do, to make the Good News a reality in their lives and to spread it to others. She never ceases to tire of inviting us to come to her Son through her. As Marists this is a special invitation and privilege. May we renew our pledges (and vows) to her in an effort to deepen our fervor and ardor in following her way to Jesus. Bro. Rene