Herbs for Pregnancy and Postpartum -- a learning opportunity!
Seventh Joy of Mary -- Assumption and Crowning of Mary
Photo By: Flickr/Rodney -Vecellio, Titziano (c. 1485- 1576),The Assumption of the Virgin (1516-18) Venice
The Seven Joys of Mary are: 1. Annunciation 2. Visitation to Elizabeth 3. Birth of Jesus 4. Gifts of the Magi 5. Finding of Jesus in the Temple 6. The Resurrection of Jesus and 7. Assumption and Crowning of Mary.
In this article, we are focusing on the 7th Joy of Mary -- her Assumption and Crowning!
Mary's Assumption is traditionally celebrated on August 15th. Mary's Crowning in Heaven has been celebrated on August 18th in some areas, sometimes on August 22nd and also May 31st. So, it is a feast day that seems to skip around a bit. August 22nd is also sometimes celebrated as Mary's Immaculate Heart Feast day. But, we won't worry to much about what is the exact crowning of Mary day!
In the East, Mary's Assumption means she died first. However, if you look at the dogmatic decree carefully of Mary being "assumed into Heaven body and soul" it never says whether she died or not -- it is just an Eastern tradition that Mary did die before being assumed into Heaven!
So, why Mary even be Assumed or Crowned? God is giving us a hint of what can be our rewards for a good earth journey. If we keep the commandments, follow God's teachings, and make it to heaven -- there's something else we can look forward to -- receiving our body back!! Did you know that at the end everyone is supposed to get their body back -- the good and bad too? Well, Scripture can back this up -- but I don't have all the quotes in front of me for that.
However, we do have Revelations that describes a "Woman Clothed with the Sun having 12 stars on her head". This sounds like Mary to me!! See full text below taken from Bible
“And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered. And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns: and on his head seven diadems: And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God, and to his throne.” Revelations 12: 1-5
So, let's back up a little -- why would Mary be Crowned into heaven? Well, we believe she deserved this. Mary called herself "lowly" in the Magnificant prayer. She never expected any of this, but God honors Mary because she is the Mother of Jesus and she is Our Mother and well she really deserves to be crowned in Heaven!
Tradition says that when Mary entered heaven it was silent for one hour just because of Mary's presence and this was before the crowning! Imagine the joy of the angels and saints as they saw Mary being crowned Queen of the Angels and Queen of Heaven!
What else can I say!! Mary is our Mother! She deserves to be Crowned! Let's pray the 4th and 5th Glorious Mysteries remembering all of above.
Resources for this article include:
https://www.catholiccompany.com/getfed/lessons-on-the-queenship-of-mary/
http://biblestudyforcatholics.com/marys-assumption-us/
http://www.fsspx.com/Rosary_Crusade/issue_17.htm
http://www.how-to-pray-the-rosary-everyday.com/coronation-of-mary.html
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About the Author
About Me: I am a Catholic Mother of 4 children. I love writing about pregnancy and childbirth as I am a doula. However, I decided to write a few books recently and my books include: "A Catholic Postpartum", "Little Way of Motherhood" (about pregnancy), "Hope Through Sorrow" (Miscarriage/Bereavement book), "The Comfort in Birth Method", etc. My favorite saints are St. Therese and St. Zelie' Martin (and St. Louis). I love Our Lady Immaculate Heart as well. Please pray for me and I'll do the same for you! Thank you.
