Pope Francis: the Assumption of Mary was a 'giant step for humanity'

On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Pope Francis affirmed that the Assumption of Mary into Heaven was an infinitely greater achievement than man's first steps on the moon.

“When man set foot on the moon, he uttered a phrase that became famous: 'This is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.' In essence, humanity had reached a historic milestone. But today, in the Assumption of Mary into heaven, we celebrate an infinitely greater achievement. Our Lady has set foot in heaven, ”Pope Francis said on August 15.

"This step of the little Virgin of Nazareth was the gigantic leap forward of humanity," added the pope.

Speaking from the window of the Vatican's apostolic palace to the pilgrims scattered around St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis said that in the assumption of Mary into Heaven one sees the ultimate goal of life: "do not earn the things below, which are fleeting, but the aforementioned heritage, which is forever. "

Catholics around the world celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. The feast commemorates the end of Mary's earthly life when God took her, body and soul, into heaven.

“Our Lady set foot in Heaven: she went there not only with her spirit, but also with her body, with all of herself,” he said. “That one of us dwells in the flesh in Heaven gives us hope: we understand that we are precious, destined to be resurrected. God does not allow our bodies to vanish into thin air. With God, nothing is lost. "

The life of the Virgin Mary is an example of how "the Lord works miracles with the little ones," the pope explained.

God works through “those who do not think themselves great but who give great space to God in life. Extend his mercy in those who trust in him and exalt the humble. Mary praises God for this, ”he said.

Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to visit a Marian shrine on the day of the feast, recommending that Romans visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to pray in front of the Salus Populi Romani icon, Mary Protection of the Roman people.

He said that the testimony of the Virgin Mary is a reminder to praise God every day, as did the Mother of God in her Magnificat prayer in which she exclaimed: "My soul glorifies the Lord".

“We might ask ourselves,” he said. “'Do we remember to praise God? Do we thank him for the great things he does for us, for every day he gives us because he always loves us and forgives us? "

"How many times, however, we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by difficulties and absorbed by fears," he said. "Our Lady does not do it, because she puts God as the first greatness of life".

"If, like Mary, we remember the great things the Lord does, if at least once a day we 'magnify', we glorify Him, then we take a big step forward ... our hearts will expand, our joy will increase," Pope Francis said. .

The Pope wished everyone a happy feast of the Assumption, especially the sick, essential workers and all those who are alone.

“Let us ask Our Lady, the Gate of Heaven, for the grace to begin each day by looking up to Heaven, to God, to say to him: 'Thank you!'” He said.