Mother Mary assumed Jesus completely, sharing in His suffering and glory. This connection can inspire us to trust her presence during our own hardships, fostering empathy and hope.
Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ, recalls the story of a village outside Santiago, Chile, that was terrorized on August 15, 1975. More than 300 men attending a parish council meeting went missing. The village’s families were horrified to learn that their husbands, fathers, and grandfathers had been tortured, imprisoned, and ultimately murdered under General Pinochet.
Later in November, their bodies were discovered, and they cried their hearts out as they prayed the Rosary, reminding us of Mother Mary’s compassion. One mother after another, holding her child in her arms, cried out, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of death.”
A witness to this moving discovery said she never felt a strong devotion to Mother Mary and rarely prayed the Rosary. The image depicted—her white skin, blue veil, and kind smile—seemed almost beyond her grasp.
Her devotion shifted when she realized Mother Mary was bearing their shock, grief, and anger. Mother Mary’s presence hit home when a mother on the way home told this lady, “Mary knows what it’s like to bring a child into the world and claim his dead body in her arms” (Preaching to the Converted, Richard Leonard, SJ, p. 372).
Before her assumption, Mother Mary embraced her Son’s mercy for those who crucified Him. Her presence reminds us that she is with us, offering strength and comfort in our pain.
Gospel Challenge: Mother Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven’s glory after her death because she carried in her body and soul the pain and suffering of her Son. She heard Him pray, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
We all suffer to some degree, but this is not the time to forget how powerful our Mother’s presence can be in challenging times. She is there, ready to support us. Every Hail Mary brings her and her strength closer to us, so they can be our strength, too. What is Mother Mary carrying with you at this moment?
October 7, 2026Luke 1:26-38https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/1007-memorial-our-lady-rosary.cfm She Bears Our Joys and Sorrows How blessed we are to receive the gift of the Holy Rosary. Each prayer is
October 6, 2026Mark 10:38-42https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100626.cfm So Many Things. It’s easy to picture Martha reviewing her grocery list the night before Jesus came to herand her sister
October 5, 2026Luke 10:25-37https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100526.cfm You Have Got To Be Kidding, Or We Understand “Lord Jesus, help me!” A priest prayed on his way to a
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Fr. Rick’s Homily: the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
August 15, 2026
Luke 1:39-56
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081526.cfm
Assumption Is A Big Welcome.
Mother Mary assumed Jesus completely, sharing in His suffering and glory. This
connection can inspire us to trust her presence during our own hardships, fostering
empathy and hope.
Fr. Richard Leonard, SJ, recalls the story of a village outside Santiago, Chile, that was
terrorized on August 15, 1975. More than 300 men attending a parish council meeting
went missing. The village’s families were horrified to learn that their husbands, fathers,
and grandfathers had been tortured, imprisoned, and ultimately murdered under
General Pinochet.
Later in November, their bodies were discovered, and they cried their hearts out as they
prayed the Rosary, reminding us of Mother Mary’s compassion. One mother after
another, holding her child in her arms, cried out, “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us
sinners now and at the hour of death.”
A witness to this moving discovery said she never felt a strong devotion to Mother Mary
and rarely prayed the Rosary. The image depicted—her white skin, blue veil, and kind
smile—seemed almost beyond her grasp.
Her devotion shifted when she realized Mother Mary was bearing their shock, grief, and
anger. Mother Mary’s presence hit home when a mother on the way home told this lady,
“Mary knows what it’s like to bring a child into the world and claim his dead body in her
arms” (Preaching to the Converted, Richard Leonard, SJ, p. 372).
Before her assumption, Mother Mary embraced her Son’s mercy for those who crucified
Him. Her presence reminds us that she is with us, offering strength and comfort in our
pain.
Gospel Challenge:
Mother Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven’s glory after her death because
she carried in her body and soul the pain and suffering of her Son. She heard Him pray,
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
We all suffer to some degree, but this is not the time to forget how powerful our
Mother’s presence can be in challenging times. She is there, ready to support us. Every
Hail Mary brings her and her strength closer to us, so they can be our strength,
too. What is Mother Mary carrying with you at this moment?
Love Your Neighbor!
Father Rick Pilger, I.C.
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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