DORMITION OF OUR MOTHER - 13th Aug

 Death of Our Mother took place in the presence of the Apostles, except Saint Thomas. Like her divine Son, she rose again and ascended to heaven on the third day after her death. 

    The holy Apostles called the two maidens who had assisted the Queen to anoint the body of the Mother of God with highest reverence and wrap it in the winding-sheets before it 

    should be placed in the casket. The refulgence issuing from it barred and blinded them in such a manner that they could neither see nor touch the body. 

    In fear and reverence the maidens left the room; Then St. Peter and St. John entered the oratory and perceived the effulgence and they heard the celestial music of the angels, 

    who were singing: “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.” From that time on many of the faithful expressed their devotion toward the most blessed Mary and from them 

    they were handed down to be repeated by us. The Apostles took upon their shoulders the sacred body and the tabernacle of God and bore the Propitiatory of the divine oracles 

    and blessings in orderly procession from the Cenacle in the city to the valley of Josaphat. But besides this, there was another invisible multitude composed of the thousand 

    Angels of the Queen, continuing their celestial songs, which were heard by the Apostles and disciples and many others. 

    When the procession came to the holy sepulcher they closed up the sepulcher with a large stone, according to custom at other burials. The celestial courtiers returned to heaven, 

    while the thousand Angels of the Queen continued their watch, guarding the sacred body and keeping up the music as at her burial. 

    The concourse of the people lessened and the Apostles dissolved in tender tears returned to the Cenacle.




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