From the Desk of Father Nathan

St Gabriel Catholic Church | Pompano Beach
God Bless You All

A Message from Father Nathan

The Assumption of Our Blessed Mother

Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, having completed her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

This weekend we are celebrating the Assumption of our Blessed Mother. It is one of the four dogmas of the Church.

The Assumption of Mary is a central dogma of the Roman Catholic Church, formally defined by Pope Pius XII in the Apostolic Constitution Munificentissimus Deus on November 1, 1950. It teaches that Mary, the Immaculate Mother of God, having completed her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

Theologically, the Assumption is understood as the glorification of Mary’s entire person—body and soul—by God, in keeping with her unique role as the Mother of Jesus and her Immaculate Conception. It is seen as a foretaste of the resurrection and eternal life promised to all the faithful, and as a sign of Mary’s perfect holiness and cooperation with God’s plan.

While the Assumption is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, Catholic theology holds that Scripture does not claim to be the only source of divine truth. Catholics emphasize Sacred Tradition as a reliable guide to interpreting Scripture and discovering truths not directly stated in Scripture. The doctrine is considered compatible with Scripture, as there are no canonical texts contradicting it, and it aligns with other Scriptural themes of bodily resurrection and divine glorification.

Pope Pius XII, writing in the post-World War II era, saw the Assumption as a truth that had been shining forth more clearly in his time. It also reflects the long-standing belief in Mary’s Assumption held by the Christian community for more than a millennium.

The Assumption is celebrated annually on August 15. It is a source of hope, veneration, and spiritual encouragement, reminding believers of God’s power to raise the dead and of the promise of eternal life. It also underscores Mary’s role as a model of faith and obedience and as a mediator of grace.

In summary, the Assumption of our Blessed Mother is a dogma rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and the lived faith of the Church, expressing the belief that Mary, in her full humanity, was glorified by God at the end of her earthly life, body and soul, as a foretaste of the resurrection.

Thank you.

May God bless each of you.

With prayers and blessings, and ever at your service

— Fr. Sahayanathan Nathan

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Past Messages from Father Nathan

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 05, 2025

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | October 05, 2025

World Mission Sunday | Sun, Oct 19, 2025
—”Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”
Growing up as a child is still very fresh in my memory. When I think of the month of October, I think of World Mission Sunday. In my childhood community, there will be lots..

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 28, 2025

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 28, 2025

World Mission Sunday | Sun, Oct 19, 2025
—”Missionaries of Hope Among All Peoples”
Growing up as a child is still very fresh in my memory. When I think of the month of October, I think of World Mission Sunday. In my childhood community, there will be lots..

read more
From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 14, 2025

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | September 14, 2025

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – September 14th. This feast is celebrated every year on September 14th and recalls three historical events: The finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine, The dedication of churches built by Constantine on the site of the Holy Sepulcher and Mount Calvary, The restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem by the emperor Heraclius II.

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From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 31, 2025

From The Desk Of Father Nathan | August 31, 2025

Nativity of our Blessed Mother – September 8th. A traditional Indian Celebration will be held on September 6th (Saturday) at 6:00 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Gabriel following the traditional way of honoring our Blessed Mother, taking her on a decorated chariot…

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