On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII made an infallible ex-cathedra statement in his Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus, which defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This dogma was the first ex-cathedra infallible statement issued since the First Vatican Council’s official ruling on papal infallibility. Today, the Solemnity of the Assumption is celebrated by the Universal Church every August 15.
Together with the Church in her commemoration of the major feast day, the Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Provincial Custody of the Immaculate Conception and Bl. Bonaventure of Potenza in the Philippines celebrated Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Provincial Custos, Friar Emmanuel GIVA, presided. A number of his fellow friar priests concelebrated. During the Mass, eight Conventual Franciscan friars renewed their religious vows. They were Friars Matthias MONTERO, Gregory SALVA, Martin GABITO, Isidore AYON-AYON, Augustine ASILO, Jude SANDIG, Yosef AMEDO, and Giuseppe CASTROJAS.
In his homily, Friar Emmanuel said that “the way up is to kneel down.” Taking inspiration from the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Friar Emmanuel pointed out that heaven is also possible for us, and that allowing ourselves to kneel down in prayer is a big part of that, for, in kneeling down, we humble ourselves and become obedient to the will of the Father.
Having renewed their vows, the friars pleaded to God that, through His grace, and with the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary, assumed into heaven, and the assistance of their confreres, they may be able to faithfully fulfill what they have promised. Trusting in God’s mercy, they, too, hope to be in heaven at the end of their earthly life.
Friar Isidore AYON-AYON
Photos: Bro. Gerald AQUINO
