Dear Detroit Catholic Deaf Community, Thanks for praying for all who attended the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis. It was a blessed time, and the weather was perfect. Rest assured that you were present in my daily prayers and Mass intentions. In August, we commemorate Mary’s Assumption to Heaven and this year, we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of St. John’s Deaf Community. Although the official anniversary is on September 14, we are celebrating in August, so both Fr. Ken and Fr. Mike could be present, as both, along with Fr. Richard, Gerry and Fr. John, have dedicated their time and talents to serving and nurturing our community. August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have interpreted Masses at 9 a.m. at Holy Innocents St. Barnabas Church and 5 p.m. at St. Valentine’s School Chapel. Please plan on attending one of these Masses or go to your local church. Two things come to mind as I reflect on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. First, that Mary was the first apostle of Christ. Her Fiat! (yes!) changed the course of the world. Even though Mary didn’t perform any miracles or preach the gospel during her time on earth as the apostles did, her life was a constant testimony of her love and obedience to God. Secondly, Mary’s greatest reward was in Heaven. Mary, the one Elizabeth called “blessed among women,” had an earthly life filled with strife: a shocking pregnancy, victim of persecution, refugee in Egypt, widow, witness to Jesus’ persecution, passion and death on the cross. But the book of Revelation also tells us that Mary was named the “Queen of Heaven and Earth,” and she continues interceding for us. Let us strive to be like Mary, trusting God in everything and being receptive to His will, knowing that our ultimate goal is to rejoice together in heaven. Let us then confidently pray to our Blessed Mother to help us follow her example of discipleship and to seek heavenly things. Mary, our Blessed Mother, Pray for us! Veronica