The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with deep reverence at the Our Lady Assumption Grotto in Sonyor, on 15th August 2024, where Most Rev. Peter Paul Yelezuome Angkyier, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Damongo, delivered a poignant homily emphasizing God’s faithfulness to His promises. The celebration marked by heartfelt devotion, drew a large Catholic faithful of the Diocese who gathered to honour the Virgin Mary on this significant Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In his homily, themed “Mary is Taken Up into Heaven: God’s Faithfulness to His Promises,” Bishop Angkyier reminded the faithful of the profound mystery of the Assumption, where Mary, the Mother of God, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory. He reflected on Pope Pius XII’s 1st November,1950 bull ‘Munificentissimus Deus’ declaration of the Assumption as a dogma of the Church, underscoring that this event signifies the completion of God’s triumph in Mary. This was a divine honour given to her not of merit but in recognition of the role she played for human salvation.
“Mary’s Assumption is not only a testament to her faithful commitment to God’s plan but also a manifestation of God’s promise to raise her body and soul to heavenly glory,” says Bishop Angkyier. He further connected this universal feast day to the local context, noting that three churches and three grottos in the diocese are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, making this celebration particularly meaningful for the local community.
Reflecting on the Gospel reading from Luke, Bishop Angkyier highlighted Mary’s service to her neighbour (Her Cousin Elizabeth) and her unwavering praise of God. He says, though the Blessed Virgin was chosen by God to be the Mother of His Son, Mary was called upon to collaborate with God.
“Her faith in God made her to say, yes to whatever God wanted to do with her. She became “Theotokos” – Mother of God and faithfully carried the Son of God brought Him into the world could not be allowed to undergo bodily corruption at the end of her, hence the Assumption”.
Also, he recounted how Mary, despite facing numerous trials from her miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit to witnessing the crucifixion of her Son remained steadfast in her faith and commitment to God’s plan. Therefore, as Christians, we have all been called upon to carry Christ and let the world know him; for our faithful yes to the Lord will give us eternal happiness.
Again, Bishop Angkyier says “Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth was not a smooth one; it was filled with challenges, yet she went in haste, driven by the Holy Spirit. Her actions teach us that serving others comes with a price, but it is this service that will lift us to heaven, just as Mary was,” Her loving service of others (Visitation to Elizabeth) flowed from her life of prayer.
Bishop Angkyier emphasizes, whenever we give time to God in prayer, God’s good work is finding expression in our lives, our calling therefore is to keep opening ourselves up to God’s good work in our lives expressed in loving service of others and in prayer to God, so that God can do for us what He did for the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bishop Angkyier also encouraged the congregation to embrace the virtues of humility, patience, and gratitude, as exemplified by Mary. He urged the faithful to live lives of service, not only to those who can reciprocate but also to those who cannot, mirroring the selfless love of God.
Concluding his homily, Bishop Angkyier called upon the congregation to reflect on the lessons of the Assumption, which celebrates the triumph of life over death and the assurance that God’s plans are always brought to completion. He invited the faithful to entrust their lives to God, just as Mary did, and to seek her intercession for peace as the country approaches the upcoming elections.
“Today, we entrust to Mary, assumed into Heaven, our supplications for rains and for peace in our country,” Bishop Angkyier prayed. “May she teach us to trust in God’s plan and guide us on our journey towards eternal life.”
The celebration at the OLA Grotto in Sonyor was marked by a deep sense of spirituality and community, as the faithful joined together in prayer and reflection on this solemn feast day.
Source: Edwin Gogu/padfm.com.gh edited by: Rev. Fr. Peter Akomanyi Tawiah
