The Rosary Mysteries for Lent: The Assumption and The Coronation

Can you believe we're already halfway through Lent?  If you've been having a hard time keeping your Lenten resolutions or spiritual goals, you still have 20 more days to get back on track. 

These last two Glorious Mysteries conclude the first part of my Lenten reflections on the Rosary mysteries.  Beginning tomorrow, I'll write about the virtues embedded in each of the 20 mysteries.

The 4th and 5th Glorious Mysteries focus on the Blessed Mother.  After Mary's death or dormition ("falling asleep"), she was assumed into heaven and given the gift of a glorified body.  We have no record of how this event transpired, but the Church teaches that Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul. 

At some point (time has no meaning in heaven), Mary was also crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.  Again we have no record of this event, but the Church honors the feast of the Queenship of Mary  on August 22nd.  Of course, Mary is known under many titles as Queen of... 

Mary‘s Assumption and Coronation are implied in Revelation Chapter 12 and in other Biblical references, but neither is directly stated in the Bible. Both events are part of Catholic Tradition. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines the Assumption in Sections 966 and 974.  (Catholic Culture has a wonderful and very comprehensive series of articles on Mary's Assumption and on Marian apologetics at this link.)

During Lent, spend some time meditating on Mary's role in Jesus' life.  At the foot of the cross, Christ gave all us the gift of Mary as our Blessed Mother.  She wants to help us imitate her virtue and that of her Divine Son.  Keep praying the Rosary, and she will lead you to Him.