The Assumed Role of Mary in the Communion of Saints ๐๐น
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Mary, the beloved Mother of God, holds a special place in the Communion of Saints. As Catholics, we believe that she was assumed body and soul into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. This glorious event is known as the Assumption of Mary.
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The Assumption of Mary is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, but we find hints of it in Scripture. In the book of Revelation, we read about a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman is commonly understood to be Mary, who is exalted in Heaven.
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The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that Mary's Assumption is a sign of hope and a reminder that we too, by the grace of God, can hope to be united with Him in Heaven. It states, "The Assumption is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians" (CCC 966).
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Mary's role in the Communion of Saints goes beyond her assumption. She is considered the Queen of Heaven and Earth, a title bestowed upon her by God. Just as the Queen Mother played a significant role in the Old Testament, so does Mary in the New Testament as the Mother of Jesus, the King of Kings.
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Mary's intercession is powerful and has been witnessed throughout history. At the wedding at Cana, she interceded for the couple and prompted Jesus to perform His first miracle, turning water into wine. This demonstrates her role as a compassionate and caring mother, always advocating for her children.
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The saints themselves recognized Mary's importance in the Communion of Saints. St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar, said, "Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did." Mary is a beacon of love and devotion, guiding us towards her Son.
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The Rosary is a powerful prayer that deepens our relationship with Mary and Jesus. Through the Rosary, we meditate on the significant moments in the life of Christ, accompanied by Mary's loving presence. This devotion brings us closer to the Communion of Saints and strengthens our spiritual journey.
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In the Gospel of Luke, Mary's cousin Elizabeth proclaims, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" (Luke 1:42). This affirmation acknowledges Mary's unique and blessed role as the Mother of God, highlighting her significance in the Communion of Saints.
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The early Church Fathers also recognized Mary's exceptional role. St. Athanasius, one of the great theologians of the Church, stated, "The Word of God became man and the Son of God became the Son of man, so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God." Mary, as the Mother of God, played a vital role in the Incarnation.
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Mary's assumption into Heaven reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's victory over death. She experienced the fullness of God's grace and is now glorified in Heaven. As Catholics, we honor Mary as our spiritual mother and seek her intercession in times of need.
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The saints often turned to Mary in their spiritual journeys. St. Louis de Montfort, a prominent Marian theologian, said, "The more the Holy Spirit finds Mary, His dear and inseparable spouse, in any soul, the more active and mighty He becomes in producing Jesus Christ in that soul." Mary leads us closer to Christ, guiding us on the path to holiness.
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Mary's role in the Communion of Saints extends to the present day. Apparitions such as Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Lourdes have brought immense spiritual graces to countless believers, reminding us of Mary's love and concern for her children.
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The Catholic Church honors Mary with various feast days throughout the liturgical year. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) celebrates Mary's conception without original sin, and the Solemnity of the Assumption (August 15th) commemorates her assumption into Heaven.
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Mary's role as the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven reminds us of the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with her. Through prayer, we can seek her guidance and intercession, knowing that she always leads us closer to her Son.
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As Catholics, it is essential to reflect on the role of Mary in the Communion of Saints and the impact she has on our spiritual lives. What are your thoughts on Mary's assumed role? How has devotion to Mary influenced your faith journey? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. ๐น๐
Halimah (Guest) on July 3, 2017
St. Anthony of Padua: โIf you would have your wants fulfilled, go to the Mother of God.โ
Maida (Guest) on July 2, 2017
St. Louis de Montfort: โThe more we honor the Blessed Virgin, the more we honor Jesus Christ, because we honor Mary only that we may the more perfectly honor Jesus, since we go to her only as the way by which we are to find the end we are seeking, which is Jesus.โ
Jane Muthui (Guest) on June 25, 2017
Mary, Refuge of Sinners, pray for all those struggling with sin, that they may turn back to God with repentant hearts.
Rashid (Guest) on June 22, 2017
Maryโs participation in salvation was not passive; she actively cooperated with Godโs plan, offering her Son to the Father for the salvation of all.
Lucy Mushi (Guest) on June 6, 2017
At the Annunciation, Maryโs humble obedience made her the vessel through which the salvation of humanity would come.
Jane Muthoni (Guest) on June 6, 2017
Mary is the bridge that connects heaven and earth, bringing divine grace into the hearts of all who call upon her.
Janet Sumaye (Guest) on June 5, 2017
As the Ark of the New Covenant, Mary carried within her the Savior of the world, becoming an integral part of Godโs salvific plan.
Peter Mugendi (Guest) on June 3, 2017
St. John Vianney: โOnly after the Last Judgment will Mary get any rest; from now until then, she is much too busy with her children.โ
John Lissu (Guest) on May 20, 2017
Keep the faith!
Jane Muthoni (Guest) on May 17, 2017
Even a mustard seed of faith can move mountains
Omar (Guest) on May 10, 2017
In the Gospel of Luke, Elizabeth calls Mary 'blessed among women,' recognizing her unique role in God's plan of salvation.
Lydia Mzindakaya (Guest) on May 3, 2017
Throughout her life, Mary was a model of humility, always seeking to do God's will, not her own.
David Sokoine (Guest) on April 26, 2017
Maryโs participation in the Passion of Christ was not just as a witness, but as a mother whose heart suffered alongside her Son for the salvation of humanity.
David Chacha (Guest) on April 24, 2017
Mother Most Pure, pray for us, that we may resist temptation and strive for holiness.
Tabu (Guest) on April 14, 2017
Maryโs role as intercessor is powerful because of her unique relationship with Jesus, her Son, who never refuses her requests.
Zakia (Guest) on April 12, 2017
Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for all priests and religious, that they may faithfully serve God's people.
Arifa (Guest) on April 3, 2017
Mary is the chosen vessel through which Christ entered the world, and through her intercession, He continues to touch our lives.
Violet Mumo (Guest) on April 2, 2017
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for those who are mourning, that they may be consoled in their grief.
Sarah Achieng (Guest) on March 19, 2017
Through her Immaculate Conception, Mary was prepared by God to be the perfect instrument of salvation, free from sin and full of grace.
Leila (Guest) on March 18, 2017
Mary, Ark of the New Covenant, pray for the Church to remain steadfast in faith and truth.
Salima (Guest) on March 2, 2017
The Catholic tradition sees Mary as the 'Ark of the New Covenant,' as she carried the Word of God made flesh in her womb.
Anna Sumari (Guest) on February 21, 2017
She is the Mother of the Church, ever vigilant, guiding us in faith and encouraging us on the path to holiness.
Henry Mollel (Guest) on February 5, 2017
God bless you!
Nancy Akumu (Guest) on February 2, 2017
Mary's intercession is powerful because her heart is so closely united with the heart of her Son.
Nora Kidata (Guest) on January 18, 2017
St. Louis de Montfort: โTo go to Jesus through Mary is the surest and most perfect way to reach Him.โ
Rashid (Guest) on January 7, 2017
The Catholic tradition honors Mary with many titles, including 'Mother of Mercy,' 'Queen of Angels,' and 'Gate of Heaven.'
Bakari (Guest) on January 3, 2017
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for the purity of our hearts and souls, that we may live in holiness.
Majid (Guest) on December 21, 2016
Maryโs relationship with the Trinity is a perfect model of cooperation with Godโs grace and love.
Ahmed (Guest) on December 11, 2016
Through her maternal care, Mary prepared Jesus for His mission of salvation, guiding Him in His early years and supporting Him throughout His life.
Joseph Kitine (Guest) on December 8, 2016
Maryโs Immaculate Heart is a source of grace for the world, continually participating in the work of salvation by leading souls to her Son.
Nassor (Guest) on November 6, 2016
Blessed Mother, we ask for your prayers, that you may guide us closer to your Son, Jesus.
John Malisa (Guest) on November 2, 2016
Stay strong in the Lord.
Elizabeth Mrope (Guest) on November 1, 2016
Holy Mother, pray for the poor and the marginalized, that they may find dignity and support through Christ.
Selemani (Guest) on October 25, 2016
Maryโs perfect obedience to the Father reflects her deep union with the divine will.
Juma (Guest) on October 12, 2016
St. Gregory of Nyssa: โShe who bore the Creator in her arms was treated by Him as His chosen one, and so she reigns with Him in glory.โ
Daniel Obura (Guest) on September 13, 2016
Faith grows stronger in trials
Farida (Guest) on September 5, 2016
Mother of Mercy, pray for those who are lost and bring them to the light of Christ.
Sarah Karani (Guest) on September 1, 2016
The Fatherโs love for Mary is beyond measure, for He chose her to be the Mother of His only Son.
Mariam (Guest) on August 23, 2016
Loving Mother, pray for peace in our hearts, our homes, and throughout the world.
Elijah Mutua (Guest) on August 21, 2016
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see
Maulid (Guest) on August 14, 2016
St. Bonaventure: โMen do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.โ
Henry Sokoine (Guest) on July 25, 2016
Let your faith be bigger than your fears
Josephine (Guest) on July 16, 2016
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Issack (Guest) on June 27, 2016
Holy Mother, pray for all those who have fallen away from the faith, that they may return to the Church.
Lydia Wanyama (Guest) on June 21, 2016
Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for an increase in love and devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.
Rose Lowassa (Guest) on June 19, 2016
As the spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mary was filled with divine love and grace, nurturing the life of Christ within her.
Sarah Achieng (Guest) on June 9, 2016
Your story isn't over; God is still writing it
Stephen Amollo (Guest) on June 4, 2016
St. Anselm: โMary is more powerful than all heaven combined in obtaining the mercy of God for sinners.โ
Zawadi (Guest) on May 29, 2016
Maryโs cooperation with the Holy Trinity made her the model of faith, obedience, and love for all believers.
Mhina (Guest) on May 5, 2016
St. Alphonsus Liguori: โShe opens the abyss of the mercy of God to whomsoever she wills, when she wills, and as she wills.โ
James Kimani (Guest) on April 29, 2016
God is good, all the time!
Henry Sokoine (Guest) on April 21, 2016
Maryโs relationship with the Holy Trinity is one of profound unity, as she perfectly aligned her will with Godโs divine plan.
Robert Okello (Guest) on April 10, 2016
Grace and peace be with you.
Charles Wafula (Guest) on March 5, 2016
Sweet Mother of God, please pray for my family and protect us under your mantle of love.
Isaac Kiptoo (Guest) on February 23, 2016
Let your light shine before others
Mary Kidata (Guest) on February 3, 2016
Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, pray for those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit.
Margaret Mahiga (Guest) on January 5, 2016
You are never alone; God is with you
Violet Mumo (Guest) on November 28, 2015
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see
Janet Mbithe (Guest) on November 20, 2015
Her title, 'Theotokos,' means 'God-bearer,' affirming her role as the Mother of God in the early Christian councils.
Grace Majaliwa (Guest) on November 1, 2015
Mary is a central figure in the Gospels, present at key moments of Jesus' life, including His first miracle at the Wedding of Cana.