Catholic Fire

On August 15 the universal Church celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in which we commemorate her being taken up body and soul into heaven when her earthly life was finished. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us: “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven, where she already shares in the glory of her Son's Resurrection, anticipating the resurrection of all members of His Body” (974). Thus, the Assumption looks to eternity and gives us hope that we, too, will follow Our Lady when our life is ended. The Assumption first began to be celebrated as a feast day in the Eastern Church after the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (431) proclaimed Mary the Mother of God. By the sixth century, the feast celebrated Mary’s Dormition, “her falling asleep.” The western church began to celebrate this feast around 650. St. John Damascene (675-749), an early Father and Doctor of the...

Catholic Culture has recently reviewed one of my favorite websites, which I think you will also find fascinating, if you enjoy reading about the saints. I concur with their evaluation of the website, Miracles of the Saints . Here is an excerpt from that review: Description The Miracles of the Saints website explores the extraordinary graces that God has wrought in the lives of the Saints. While God reveals Himself in all the marvels of creation, His has chosen to manifest Himself and His love for humanity in very special manner in the lives of His Saints. Includes examples of stigmata, prophecy, remarkable cures, bilocation, heavenly voices from the afterlife, levitation, prolonged fasts, mystical knowledge, scourging and the crown of thorns, speaking in tongues, incorrupt bodies, and miracles over nature along with many others. The author endeavors always to be faithful to the Catholic Church and its teachings. First Evaluated: 08/03/2013 Fidelity:  Excellent Resource...