August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, was purposefully chosen as the official launch of Catholic Business Journal in 2007,. It is a feast day close to the heart of our mission and purpose. The last few months we’ve all watched as a suspicious virus pandemic and expansive Marxist-infused riots and marches—under the guise of “civil rights”— continue to disrupt our lives and our freedoms, most especially our religious freedoms.
For this reason, Catholic Business Journal invites you to join with us on a 54-Day Rosary “Novena”—from today, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary through October 7, the wondrous and glorious and powerfully inspiring Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary—to pray for our country, for a pro-life, pro-freedom outcome to our U.S. elections, and for an end to the pandemic and the anti-freedom riots and violence infecting our land.
To begin, here is a special invitation from the Dominicans, Order of Preachers, Western Province:
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Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a great feast which reminds us that Mary, sinless and perfectly united to Christ, was brought into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her time on earth.
To honor Mary, to pray for an end to the pandemic, and to help us all draw closer to Christ, we invite you to join us in praying the Rosary this evening at 7pm Pacific Time. The Rosary will be livestreamed and led by Fr. James Moore, O.P.
As you may know, the Dominicans have a special devotion to Our Lady. Throughout history, the Order has recognized her special patronage over us, and numerous stories and traditions depict her unique role in protecting the work of the friars. As such, today is a particularly joyful feast for us Dominicans.
Though officially promulgated in 1950 by Pope Pius XII, the Dogma of the Assumption has its origins in Scripture and the well-established Traditions of the ancient Church. Interestingly, there are no traditions of relics for Mary, or Masses being celebrated over a tomb for Mary. Why? Because she was assumed into Heaven, body and soul!
Mary was very special, to say the least. And the grace she received to be protected from the decay of death is a window into the promise of salvation for us all.
As Mary received these graces from God with an open heart, we too are called to receive the Lord’s will into our lives, sharing in Mary’s declaration, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
On the feast of the Assumption, consider honoring Mary and her special role as our Heavenly Mother, reflecting on how you can better submit your life to God’s will as Mary did.
And may our Blessed Mother, who was taken to Heaven, body and soul, intercede for us during this time of great difficulty. May she bring our petitions to the Lord, asking Him to end the pandemic, ease suffering and open our hearts to the peace of Christ.
You are in my prayers in a special way today.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
In Christ and St. Dominic,
Very Rev. Christopher Fadok, O.P.
Prior Provincial
P.S. Just a reminder that Fr. James Moore, O.P., will be leading a special Rosary tonight at 7pm Pacific. Join him online at 7pm Pacific Time to follow along.
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Note: The stunning depiction of the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven, was painted by another Domincan, Fra Angelico, around 1734.
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