Devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Early Christians celebrated the falling asleep (dormition) and assumption of Mary into Heaven. Some people claimed Mary died, others claimed she did not. Nevertheless, her body never underwent decay, as that is the result of sin. No relics of her remain.

Although Mary's Assumption had been celebrated by the faithful for centuries, official Catholic dogma was not defined until November 1, 1950 by Pope Pius XII. In the Apostolic Constitution called Munificentissimus Deus Pope Pius infallibly pronounced, "Mary, the immaculate perpetually Virgin Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven." He did not state whether or not Mary actually died or merely fell asleep. He did, however, pronounce that Mary was drawn to Heaven under the power of God, allowing us a "sneak peek" of the glory which can await us.

Catholics typically receive derision for this celebration. However, we can recognize the importance of the Truths this solemnity reveals, and cherish our Sacred Tradition and early Church Fathers for preserving these Truths. For example, the Assumption shows us:

The traditional celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Blessing of Herbs. This came about as the Christianization of a harvest feast. The Blessed Virgin Mary has been associated with sweet-smelling flowers, and plants such as lavender, lilies, and vines.

Most Catholic churches allow parishioners to take holy water home. Prepare for this blessing by filling a small container with holy water prior to the solemnity of the Assumption. Get your Bible, some flowers and herbs, these prayers, the holy water, and start the celebration!

Begin by praying Psalm 64 (This is perfect for our son to read. It is very exciting!)

Continue with the following verse (V) and response (R):

V: The Lord will be gracious

R: And our land will bring forth its fruit.

V: You watered the mountains from the cloud.

R: The earth is replenished from your rains.

V: Giving grass for cattle.

R: And plants for the service of man.

V: You bring forth wheat from the earth.

R: And wine to cheer man's heart.

V: Oil to make his face lustrous

R: And bread to strengthen his heart.

V: He utters a command and heals their suffering

R: And snatches them from distressing want

V: Lord, heed my prayer

R: And let my cry be heard by you

V: The Lord be with you

R: And also with you

Sprinkle the holy water on the herbs and say the following three prayers:

Let us pray. Almighty, everlasting God, who by your word alone brought into being the heavens, earth, sea, things seen and unseen, and garnished the earth with plants and trees for the use of man and beast; who appointed each species to bring forth fruit in its kind, not only for the food of living creatures, but for the healing of sick bodies as well; with mind and word we urgently call on you in your great kindness to bless these various herbs and fruits, thus increasing their natural powers with the newly given grace of your blessing. May they keep away disease and adversity from men and beasts who use them in your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray. God, who through Moses, your servant, directed the children of Israel to carry their sheaves of new grain to the priests for a blessing, to pluck the finest fruits of the orchard, and to make merry before you, the Lord their God; hear our supplications, and shower blessings in abundance upon us and upon these bundles of new grain, new herbs, and this assortment of produce which we gratefully present to you on this festival, blessing them in your name. Grant that men, cattle, flocks, and beasts of burden find in them a remedy against sickness, pestilence, sores, injuries, spells, against the fangs of serpents or poisonous creatures. May these blessed objects be a protection against diabolical mockery, cunning, and deception wherever they are kept, carried, or otherwise used. Lastly, through the merits of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose Assumption we are celebrating, may we all, laden with the sheaves of good works, deserve to be taken up to Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray. God, who on this day raised up to highest Heaven the rod of Jesse, the Mother of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that by her prayers and patronage you might communicate to our mortal nature the fruit of her womb, Your very Son; we humbly implore you to help us use these fruits of the soil for our temporal and everlasting welfare, aided by the power of Your Son and the prayers of His glorious Mother; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Final blessing:

And may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, come upon these creatures and remain always. Amen.

A novena is nine days of public or private prayer to obtain special graces. The Novena for the Assumption starts on August 7th, and ends on August 15th.You may pray in any way you choose, but a traditional Assumption prayer is: