THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION:

The great feast of Our Blessed Lady being assumed into heaven is transferred to the Sunday this year, making it easier for us all to give thanks again to the Lord for the gift of Mary as Mother of the Church, who has achieved what is promised to all of us. At the cemetery or the crematorium I sometimes comment on the mystery of how and when we will enjoy the fulness of the resurrection. Some of the prayers speak of our bodies being restored on the last day and others speak of us going straight to the Lord. Purgatory is a place and concept we don’t often speak about these days and, of course, the papal blessing carries with it a plenary indulgence, which frees us “from any punishment due to sin”. I am happy to leave it with the Lord, reminding everyone that while we live in time and space, for God everything is in the present!