By Father Michael John Sezzi, parish administrator

"It's because of her deep reflection, her pondering, her looking at her own heart and relationship to God, that she was able to say yes to the angel Gabriel," Father Mike tells us for our celebration of the vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Today, we celebrate her assumption into heaven. Today, as we gather, we look to Mary as a great model for us. To ponder, to respond to God — these are the key qualities, I think, of Mary's life."