ABOVE: The mural depicting the Assumption hangs in the rear of the Northside church.
By Dc. Tom Cuskey, editor
As we are within the octave of the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, it’s not a coincidence that we are highlighting a couple of the parishes named for the feast, one a diocesan church and the other a church of the Franciscan Friars Conventual.
What is the Assumption, exactly?
To begin from the proper perspective, the Revised 2nd edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 966, states that “Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things.” Not to be confused with ascending into heaven, as Jesus did of his own divine power, Mary was taken to the kingdom in an act of God. The Catechism paragraph concludes with “The Assumption … is a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians.”
It’s been celebrated in the Eastern Church since the 5th Century according to Vatican News. The Church of Rome followed suit in the 7th Century. The dogma of the Assumption, though, was only adopted in 1950 as proclaimed by Pius XII.
Celebrating the traditions
The twin steeples of Assumption Church are recognizable landmarks on the Syracuse skyline.
The twin steeples on Syracuse’s Northside are visible from all the areas surrounding the center of the city. Assumption Church has been a landmark parish since its founding in 1845. Father Nader Ata, OFM Conv., associate pastor, gave us a brief tour following a recent Saturday vigil Mass.
“One of the things I find interesting about the Church of the Assumption is that most parishes have their central patron in the front apse of the church,” he said, “But … the only image we have is as you’re leaving the church. And so, as you’re walking out, you’re reminded where our destiny is, in heaven.”
The image he spoke of accompanies this article. It depicts Mary, with Saint Francis and Saint Anthony observing her being escorted, body and soul, to heaven by a host of angels. The presence of the two saints in the work of art is vitally important, Fr. Nader told us.
“[They] also journey there as well, and it’s possible for us, and that’s the way we live our lives. The way we live our lives prepares us to live it forever in heaven. And so, for me, when I walk out, that’s what I see. It’s a reminder that our destiny is heaven.”
The destiny of the parish, the legacy of the church as a source of support for the poor in the greater Syracuse community, are built on Franciscan tradition and the Gospel, recounting what Mary told the servants at Cana in John’s Gospel.
“‘Do what he tells you,’ Mary says, speaking of her son,” Father Nadar said. “And he tells us to feed the poor, to give food to the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, and that’s what the sisters and the friars in their genius did. It’s not Francis we’re following. We’re following the way of Christ.”
Father Nader Ata, OFM Conv., associate pastor of Assumption Church stands before a beautiful side altar in the spacious church.
“His way” has developed at Assumption through many ministries and charitable activities. The parish operates a soup kitchen and pantry; the Poverello HealthCenter, which provides free health services to those who can’t afford care; Community Nights, where young adults can find social and faith fellowship, and game nights for all comers.
Francis Corp is a program where young adults immerse themselves in prayer and service to the community. And, of course, The Franciscan Place in the lower level of Destiny USA provides a center of faith amid the greater community, meeting people where they’re at.
Like Jesus, they don’t ask patrons where they’ve been. Fr. Nader reminds us of what Jesus tells us when we encounter him. “Your sins are forgiven, or your faith has saved you … Go in peace.”
A growing suburban presence
Drive by St. Mary of the Assumption on Syracuse Street in Baldwinsville these days and the first thing that catches your eye is a bucket lift. The parish is in the middle of a capital project, tending to necessary repairs and improvements to the buildings and grounds. The capital campaign page on their website gives good reason: In the past seven years, St. Mary’s has grown from 900 to more than 1,300 parishioners. Not many churches in the area are enjoying that kind of growth. One could make the argument that their patron, the Blessed Mother, is making good things happen.
The Feast of the Assumption procession through the streets of Baldwinsville. (Submitted photo)
“The spirit of St. Mary’s parish is deeply intertwined with our devotion to the Blessed Mother,” Deacon Joseph Casper told us in response to a written request sent to the parish. “Her example of faith, obedience and love serves as a guiding light, inspiring us in our worship and in the numerous events we host throughout the year.”
Students at St Mary’s Academy, the parish school, and the students attending youth faith formation classes are taught about the significance of the Assumption.
“They learn not only the theological significance of this event but also how it reflects the deep love and reverence we hold for Mary in our daily lives,” Deacon said.
St. Mary’s — like its Northside counterpart — also provides numerous ministries of service: food pantry, bereavement support, sandwiches for the area men’s shelter and more.
Something that sets them apart is the activities surrounding the celebration of the feast day.
An array of Marian-blue votive calendars, each labeled with a prayer intention, border the sanctuary for the week leading up to the solemnity. (Submitted photo)
“From our annual Marian procession, where we honor her with prayers and hymns through the streets of Baldwinsville, to the blue votive candles that are perpetually lit before her statue in the side altar, symbolizing our unceasing prayers and devotion, Mary’s presence is felt deeply within our community,” Deacon shared.
Over the past 15 years, an additional tradition has developed following Masses leading up to the feast.
“We gather to write down our prayer intentions, which are then placed on blue votive candles. These candles are lit for seven days and placed around the sanctuary, creating a luminous testament to our prayers and petitions seeking the intercession of our Blessed Mother.” Deacon Joe said more than 350 blue votive candles are used in this celebration.
Also like their city neighbors, the energy of the Assumption carries over to all liturgies and events the parish observes during the year.
“We warmly invite the community to join us in these special celebrations, to experience the joy and reverence with which we honor the Assumption of the Blessed Mother.”
