The Basilica of the Dormition Abbey on Mount Zion, Jerusalem

Day of the Feast of Assumption of St. Mary; and the August day was complete with clear skies in an expectant atmosphere of being. From the bell tower of the Dormition Abbey in Jerusalem, bells are pealing the solemn hour of High Mass. The clear tones waft from the Valley of Kidron to the City of David; its notes calling out the glory of the day and its celebration of the Mass in St. Mary's glorification.

"Gaudeamus Omnes in Domino...
Diem Festum Celebrantes sub honore...
MARIAE VIRGINIS
Gloria Patria Halleluiah...
(Glory to Mary Glory to the Father, Halleluliah)

The diminishing notes of the bells fall soundlessly on the solemn on the solemn ground of Mt. Zion in the holy city of Jerusalem. Mt. Zion: on this mount Christendom issued forth from its mother religion Judaism and for here the Disciples of Jesus went forth to bring the faith in the one God of Israel to the whole world. Her, on Mt. Zion, Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection, and here they were filled with Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:1-13)

And here on Mt. Zion, St. Mary, Mother of Jesus, lived the circle of the Disciples abiding in the 'Upper room and receiving the Holy Spirit with them on the Feast of Pentecost. Here, ST. Mary fell into an eternal sleep (Dormito Sanctae Mariae - 'The Sleep St. Mary) Christ, Himself came to summon his Mother; Her soul passed visibly into His hand. "Arise my beloved, my beautiful one, and come. (Sg 2:13) St. Mary was taken into the heavens, body and soul: the Assumption.

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