By John Rohlf
The Message assistant editor
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel celebrated one of many Masses throughout the Diocese of Evansville last week for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bishop Siegel celebrated Mass Aug. 15 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church. Deacon David Rice served as deacon for the Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Siegel said on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we celebrate the day of Mary’s birth in heaven and the end of her earthly pilgrimage. He said we believe that when the course of her earthly life was finished, Mary was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. She was exalted by God as queen over all things, so that she may be more perfectly conformed to her son Jesus.
Bishop Siegel said this dogma resonates with the words of St. Paul found in the second reading from 1 Corinthians. He referenced 1 Corinthians Chapter 15:22-23, which can be found in the second reading from the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which states:
“For just as in Adam shall die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then at his coming, those who belong to Christ.”
Bishop Siegel said the trajectory of Mary’s life was always a God one, full of grace from the very moment of her conception in her mother’s womb. He said her earthly pilgrimage did not know the sinful detours that we so often take in our own journey through life. When we observe Mary, we see her as always faithful, always moving forward and always training towards God and his will.
Bishop Siegel said the mystery of the Assumption of Mary body and soul into heaven becomes more evident in the light of various spiritual landmarks of her earthly existence, such as the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, Cavalry, the Resurrection and then Pentecost. He said Mary was taken up to heaven because she was sinless. She was taken up to heaven and was immaculate because of her divine motherhood.
Bishop Siegel said taking Mary into heaven body and soul, God assures us that he keeps his promises. He said the affirmation made in the Nicene Creed is not just wishful thinking. It is an affirmation of faith and is believable. It is credible because it has been promised to us. Bishop Siegel said we believe in the promise because of Jesus, who is the one making the promise, and we believe because of Mary, the promise has already been kept.
