Today is the Assumption of Mary. Although only made dogma in the 1950's the belief that Mary was assumed into Heaven (body and soul) is ancient. For anyone devoted to the Blessed Virgin today is an important feast day. Indeed, it is in fact a day of obligation.
Being such a solemnity, Mass today was preceded by a procession with a statue of Our Lady held aloft on a carried throne. As thurifer, I had the privilege of leading the procession which made its way to the street where I led it around the church property and back again through the front gate into the church building. We altar servers were (as always) dressed in cassocks and surplices while our beloved parish priest sported a biretta and a magnificent English cope decorated with floral patterns. (Quite fitting for a feast day in honour of Mary). The congregation followed singing Marian hymns. All in all, the whole thing went rather well.
I enjoyed the procession as it is not something we see all too often these days. It was public and unapologetic. Which is important in face of a world that increasingly seeks to banish faith from the public square. I hope it sets a precedent for us for more of the kind. Today went so well that I hope the possibility of a Christmas procession is now on the cards. Perhaps as we enter Advent I will suggest it to the parish.
Being such a solemnity, Mass today was preceded by a procession with a statue of Our Lady held aloft on a carried throne. As thurifer, I had the privilege of leading the procession which made its way to the street where I led it around the church property and back again through the front gate into the church building. We altar servers were (as always) dressed in cassocks and surplices while our beloved parish priest sported a biretta and a magnificent English cope decorated with floral patterns. (Quite fitting for a feast day in honour of Mary). The congregation followed singing Marian hymns. All in all, the whole thing went rather well.
I enjoyed the procession as it is not something we see all too often these days. It was public and unapologetic. Which is important in face of a world that increasingly seeks to banish faith from the public square. I hope it sets a precedent for us for more of the kind. Today went so well that I hope the possibility of a Christmas procession is now on the cards. Perhaps as we enter Advent I will suggest it to the parish.
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