Luke 2:34-35
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted
(and you yourself a sword will pierce) *so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.
BE IN THE KNOW | What is the difference between the Ascension of Jesus and the Assumption of Mary?
The difference between the Ascension of Jesus and the Assumption of Mary lies mainly in who ascends, by whose power, and their role in salvation history according to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
1️⃣ Jesus Ascended by His Own Divine Power
The Ascension refers to Jesus Christ returning to heaven by His own power forty days after His Resurrection.
The Catechism teaches:
“Christ’s Ascension marks the definitive entrance of Jesus’ humanity into God’s heavenly domain.”
— Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 665)
Jesus is true God and true man; therefore, He ascends through His divine authority.
Biblical Reference
* “He was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.” — Acts 1:9
* See also: Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51
2️⃣ Mary Was Assumed by God’s Power
The Assumption refers to Mary, mother of Jesus being taken body and soul into heavenly glory by the power of God, not by her own power.
The dogma was solemnly defined by Pope Pius XII in Munificentissimus Deus (1950):
“The Immaculate Mother of God… was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”
The Catechism also states:
“The Most Blessed Virgin Mary… was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven.”
— CCC 966
3️⃣ Jesus Is the Source of Salvation; Mary Receives Salvation
The Ascension reveals Christ’s victory over sin and death and His enthronement at the right hand of the Father.
Mary’s Assumption, meanwhile, is a grace given to her because of her unique participation in her Son’s mission.
* Jesus is the Redeemer
* Mary is the redeemed disciple and Mother of the Church
The Church teaches that Mary’s Assumption is a sign of the future resurrection promised to the faithful.
4️⃣ The Ascension Happened Publicly; the Assumption Was Received Through Tradition
The Ascension is directly narrated in Sacred Scripture.
The Assumption is not explicitly described in the Bible but comes from Sacred Tradition and the constant faith of the Church, later defined as dogma.
Catholics believe Divine Revelation comes through:
* Sacred Scripture
* Sacred Tradition
* The teaching authority of the Church (Magisterium)
5️⃣ Both Point Toward Heaven and Eternal Life
Together, the Ascension and Assumption reveal the destiny prepared for humanity.
* Christ ascends as King and Savior.
* Mary is assumed as the first and perfect disciple sharing fully in her Son’s glory.
The feasts are celebrated by the Church:
* Ascension of the Lord — 40 days after Easter
* Assumption of Mary — August 15
Follow for more Fr. AC Perez, SchP
God bless!
In 1251, a desperate prayer echoed in Aylesford, England. Saint Simon Stock, Prior General of the Carmelite Order, saw his brotherhood facing extinction. Driven from Mount Carmel and meeting heavy opposition, the order was collapsing. Simon fell to his knees and begged the Blessed Virgin Mary for a sign of her protection.
What happened next changed the world forever 🕊️
On July 16, Our Lady appeared in radiant glory. In her hands, she held a humble piece of woven brown wool. She extended it to Simon with words that would resonate through the centuries. She instructed him to receive this Scapular as a special privilege, promising that whoever died clothed in this garment would be preserved from eternal fire. It would be a safeguard in danger and a pledge of profound peace.
Eventually, the Church joyfully extended this heavenly gift to the laity.
The mystical meaning goes far beyond the physical fabric. Wearing the Brown Scapular is akin to wearing a miniature version of the Carmelite habit. It acts as a continuous, silent prayer of consecration to Jesus through Mary. When placed over your shoulders, you are spiritually wrapping yourself in the protective mantle of the Mother of God. The Scapular is never a magical charm. Rather, it is a profound covenant of mutual love. It signifies that you belong entirely to Mary, and she promises to guide your soul safely to the Sacred Heart of her Son.
Today, the Brown Scapular remains one of the most widely worn sacramentals in the Catholic Church ✨ In an era marked by spiritual warfare, millions of modern Catholics find comfort in this ancient garment. Saints and Popes, notably Saint John Paul II, wore it faithfully every single day.
For the modern believer, wearing the Scapular is a quiet rebellion against the illusions of the world. Hidden beneath everyday clothing, these two small pieces of wool stand as a physical shield. Every time the wool touches the skin, it whispers a timeless truth. We are deeply loved and held closely by a Mother who never abandons her children 🕊️
@PrayTheRosary@Minerva47350 Wishing a heartfelt Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers in heaven and on earth. We celebrate you today and always. 🕊️💐