THE FEAST OF ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

The Assumption

The Sanctuary of God in heaven opened and the ark of the covenant could be seen inside it.
 Then came flashes of lightning, peals of thunder and an earthquake, and a violent  hail.  Now a great sign appeared in  heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun, standing on the moon, and with the twelves stars on her head for a crown. She was pregnant, and in labour, crying aloud in pangs of childbirth. Mass Readings


Mary set out at that time and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah.  She went into Zechariah's house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, "Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.