Pope says Mary's Assumption is a sign of sure hope and consolation

(August 15, 2008) Faced with the “sad drama of false joy and anguished pain” of this world one needs to look up to heaven and to God, the true reality and gateway to a new world, said Pope Benedict XVI on Friday. He was speaking in his homily at the Mass of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, at the parish Church of St. Thomas of Villanova in Castel Gandolfo, the hill town just outside Rome where he is currently spending his summer. The Holy Father spoke of the concern for the illusions of the world as opposed to the truth of faith in view of the Assumption, a dogma of Catholic faith that says the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory. “Mary’s Assumption,” the Pope said “was destined to fill every human heart with hope and joy.” “The Virgin Mary is for us a sign of sure hope and consolation.” He said that the day’s feast urges us to “raise out gaze up to heaven,” which he explained is “not an abstract idea or an imagery created by art, but is the heaven of truth which is God Himself – God is heaven.” “He is our goal – the goal and eternal dwelling from whom we come and towards whom we reach out,” the Pope added. The feast of the Assumption, August 15 is a holiday in Italy and the Vatican. Later, speaking during the midday ‘Angelus’ Marian prayer at the papal summer residence of Castelgandolfo, Pope Benedict further dwelt upon the hope and consolation that the feast of the Assumption evokes in the people of God. He spoke in several languages including in English. Listen:
I am happy to greet all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors present for this Angelus prayer. As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, we are invited to raise our eyes to heaven and contemplate Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our Mother. She who on earth believed in God’s word is now glorified in body and soul. May Mary’s prayers and example guide you always and renew your hearts in faith and hope. May God grant you and your families abundant blessings of peace and joy!