The feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

What does true freedom look like?

When we think of the Blessed Virgin Mary, many titles come to mind: Mother of God, Seat of Wisdom, Comforter of the Afflicted, Refuge of Sinners. Each reveals something of her unique place in God's plan and her loving care for us.

Today's feast of the Assumption invites us to look at the final chapter of Mary's earthly life. At the end of her life, she was taken body and soul into heaven. Preserved from sin by God's grace and faithful to him throughout her life, Mary now shares fully in the glory of her Son. The one whom Elizabeth called "blessed among women" has reached the fulfilment of God's promise.

Yet this feast is not only about what happened to Mary. It is also about how she lived.

Mary's life was not easy. She said "yes" to God without knowing exactly where that yes would lead. She endured uncertainty, sacrifice, misunderstanding, and immense sorrow, especially as she stood beneath the Cross and watched her Son die. Yet through it all she remained faithful, trusting God completely.

That is why the Assumption can also be seen as a celebration of Mary's true freedom.

Our world often tells us that freedom means having no limits, no obligations, and endless choices. Mary shows us something different. Her freedom came not from doing whatever she wanted, but from wholeheartedly embracing God's will. The more she entrusted herself to God, the more fully free she became.

We see this freedom in her generous service to others, in her haste to help Elizabeth, and in her unwavering presence beside Jesus at every stage of his life. Mary's life teaches us that true freedom is found not in self-centred independence but in loving trust, faithful commitment, and openness to God's grace.

Today we celebrate the fruit of that freedom: Mary, fully alive in God, sharing in the glory of heaven, body and soul.

May our prayers help us to let go of whatever holds us back from God, so that we too may grow in faith, live in true freedom, and one day rejoice with her in the fullness of God's kingdom.

Every blessing

Father Paul