4 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Assumption of Mary
1. Attend Mass
Start your day by attending mass! Join in the celebration of this holy day as we commemorate Mary's body and soul being lifted into heaven. It's a special time to connect with your faith and show your love for Mary.
2. Make a cloud pillow
A beautiful way to acknowledge Mary's assumption into heaven is by creating a heavenly environment in your home. One way to do so is by making a cloud pillow! You can make the cloud pillow by using fabric (use any fabric you have at home, or go to the local store to buy some), OR you can make a "learn to sew" project using butcher paper instead. Follow the instructions below to make it!
Supplies needed:
- White butcher paper
- Hole punch
- Yarn
- Yarn needle
- Stuffing
Trace a cloud shape on the white butcher paper, and cut it out. Next, punch holes (about an inch apart) around the edges. Using a yarn needle, thread the yarn through each hole until you only have a few inches of yarn left. Fill the cloud with stuffing, then finish sewing the remainder of the cloud. Tie the yarn and ta-da! Your cloud pillow project is complete!
3. Plant an herb garden
The feast of the Assumption is linked with a harvest festival, where herbs are blessed and celebrated for their healing properties. A few of our favorite herbs to plant (and also remind us of Mary) include: Rosemary (Mary's Bouquet), Spearmint (Mary's Mint) and Sage (Mary's Shawl).4. Make an Assumpta Salad
Did you know that there is a book called Twelve Months of Monastery Salads? “Eating seasonally” takes on a whole new meaning when you eat for both the liturgical and natural seasons! This Assumpta Salad recipe, from Brother Victor-Antoine d’Avila-Latourrette, makes the perfect appetizer salad for tomato-lovers everywhere.8 medium-size ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 cup pitted black olives, drained
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 cup cubed feta cheese
Vinaigrette
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
5 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced Salt and freshly ground pepper
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together until thickened. Let stand for about 1 hour before using to steep the garlic. For the salad, arrange tomato slices on 6 to 8 salad plates. Sprinkle the onion and olives among them. Sprinkle the herbs evenly, then add the cheese cubes in the middle of each dish. Whisk vinaigrette just before serving and drizzle evenly over each plate. Serve immediately.
Let us rejoice in reflecting on Mary's divine presence today as we celebrate the assumption!
