From the Provincial - Why the Feast of the Assumption of Mary Is More Relevant Than Ever Today

Every fortnight, Br Peter Carroll, Provincial of the Star of the Sea Province, shares a reflective editorial that invites the Marist community into deeper spiritual insight and contemplation.

In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, conflict, and the erosion of shared values,

the Feast of the Assumption of Mary offers a luminous signpost of hope. For the Marist family, the Assumption is not merely a theological affirmation; it is a spiritual compass pointing toward renewal, trust, and divine promise. This feast is a cornerstone of our Marist

spirituality, deeply entwined with the mission to follow Jesus as Mary did.

The Assumption, declared dogma by Pope Pius XII, came at a time when the world was reeling from the devastation of World War II and bracing for the ideological and nuclear tensions of the Cold War. Europe was scarred, families were broken, and the human spirit was weary. Secularism was rising, unfolding alongside a growing sense of existential questioning and spiritual searching. In this bleak landscape, the Church proclaimed a truth that soared above the rubble: Mary, the Mother of God, was assumed body and soul into heaven. It was a declaration not just of doctrine, but of defiant hope.

For the Marists, whose charism is founded in humility, simplicity, and a deep Marian devotion, the Assumption is a celebration of the ultimate vindication of faithfulness. Mary’s life was marked by quiet service, suffering, and surrender. Her Assumption is the divine affirmation that such a life is not forgotten—it is glorified. This is profoundly encouraging for Marists, who often work in the margins, in education, mission, and pastoral care, supporting the young and the vulnerable, away from the spotlight but close to the heart of the Church.

The timing of the dogma’s declaration is crucial to understanding its spiritual power. In 1950, the world needed a reminder that death and destruction do not have the final word. The Assumption was that reminder. It was a theological and pastoral response to despair, a proclamation that heaven is real, that grace triumphs, and that the human body—so often violated in war—is destined for glory. It was a message that resonated deeply with the Marist mission to bring Christ to people in a way that is gentle, inclusive, and full of hope.

Today, we find ourselves in a similarly turbulent time. War and aggression once again dominate our world. The global community is fractured by ideological battles, environmental crises, and the erosion of truth. Many young people struggle to find meaning in a world that feels increasingly unstable. In this context, the Feast of the Assumption is more relevant than ever.

For us, the Assumption is a call to lift our eyes and hearts. It reminds us that our mission is not just to serve, but to inspire. Mary’s journey—from Nazareth to Calvary to the heights of heaven—is a roadmap for every believer. It tells us that fidelity in the small things, courage in suffering, and trust in God’s promises are never in vain. This is the essence of hope—not wishful thinking, but a confident expectation rooted in divine love.

The Assumption also speaks to the Marist commitment to education and formation. In schools and other settings, Marists are called to be witnesses of hope, forming young minds not just in knowledge, but in wisdom. In a culture that often glorifies cynicism, the Assumption invites educators to speak of transcendence, of beauty, of the dignity of the human person. It challenges us to present faith, not as a relic of the past, but as a living, breathing source of joy and purpose.

Moreover, the Assumption is a deeply communal feast. For Champagnat Marists it is our patronal day. It reminds us that salvation is not a solitary journey. Mary’s glorification is a promise for all humanity. In communities and families, this truth is lived out in mutual support, prayer and a commitment to justice and peace. The Assumption calls Marists to be builders of communion, to resist the forces of division, and to embody the unity that Mary now enjoys in heaven.

In the face of today’s challenges, the Assumption offers a counter-narrative. It tells us that the human story is not doomed to end in chaos. There is a divine trajectory, and Mary is its radiant sign. For Marists, this is not just comforting, it is empowering. It fuels the courage to continue the mission, to walk with the marginalised, to teach with compassion, and to pray with confidence.

As we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, let us remember that hope is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is the light that guides our way, the fire that sustains our vocation, and the gift we are called to share with a world in need. Mary’s Assumption is not just her triumph; it is our invitation. 

To believe. To serve. To hope.

-Br Peter Carroll, Provincial