This Sunday we celebrate in our parish the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The solemnity is normally observed on August 15th but since it is our parish feast we transferred it to the next Sunday. Taking advantage of this celebration I would like to thank all of you for your support and dedication to our parish. I’d like to thank especially our parish staff and those involved in the various ministries: ushers, choir members, lectors, catechists, Bereavement Ministry members, Finance and Parish Council members, Young Seniors, altar servers, our outreach ministry personnel and volunteers and all those not mentioned here. Please remember that your service, time and efforts are appreciated and valued. Thank your for everything you do for our parish community.

The English word ‘parish’ has its origin in the Greek language where it denotes those who have been exiled. In that sense, parishioners are all those who are spiritually exilied, those whose true home is somewhere else. As Christians we are pilgrims in this life and on the way to our homeland—heaven. We don’t belong to any earthly place, but there is a dwelling place prepared for us in the house of the Father. This is what is deeply written in our hearts. We are looking constantly for heaven. However, each person understands it in his or her way. For some heaven means success, for others financial prosperity, for others fame, still others comfort and peace of mind. We look for that magical place around us, forgetting that it cannot be found here in this life.

The solemnity of the Assumption comes to remind us that heaven truly exists and that there are many who have already reached their destination. We call them saints, among whom the Blessed Virgin Mary is the most illustrious example. With her soul and body she enjoys the glory of heaven where she reigns as a queen and intercedes for those who are still on their way as a mother. This is what we celebrate in the mystery of her Assumption.

For a couple of weeks we followed with excitement the competition of our athletes and teams at the Olympic Games in Paris. We celebrated their victories, we were inspired by the winners and appreciated the efforts of those who lost. In a similar way, in the Assumption of Mary we celebrate the victory of the greatest champion in the most important competition which is our salvation. Mary is the greatest winner of all times and she wants to help us now to share in her victory.

Perhaps sometimes we may feel intimidated by the accomplishments of great athletes. Perhaps we may think the same of Mary and her life. The feast of her Assumption reminds us that what God has accomplished in the life of Mary he wants to do in our lives. In the end her victory is ours. That is why celebrating her feast, we celebrate our feast, the feast of our parish. We celebrate the feast of heaven.