Bishop Irynej Bilyk, OSBM - CELEBRATION OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN ROME

CELEBRATION OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN ROME

According to the Gregorian Calendar the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God falls on August 15. All over Italy people have days off, which are known as �Ferragosto�: �feriae Augustales� � �holidays of Augustus�. Historians trace the tradition of �Ferragosto� to the ancient Roman times. The emperor of the Ancient Rome Octavian Augustus used to come back from the wars to Rome, though in different years, celebrating triumphs related to his conquests. At that time Egypt was dominated by the Roman power and the civil war was also finished. Having understood that these events were prophetic signs of the future glory of the Roman Empire, senators officially named this beautiful month �August� in the honor of the Emperor. And in 18 BC the Emperor himself ordered to establish annual holidays for the Roman citizens. As they fell on this summer month they were traditionally named �feriae Augustales�. Times have changed, epochs and customs are gone, but the tradition of �Ferragosto� became the integral part of the Italian life mode and is accurately preserved.

On August 11, 2008 year of God, the three-days prayerful preparation to the greatest holiday of Virgin Mary had started with the Rosary prayers and the Eucharist Mass in one of the biggest churches devoted to the Most Holy Mother of God - the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major

During these days of the spiritual preparation the explanations of the Sacraments of Holy Rosary and Divine mass were headed by Bishop Lino Fumagalli, Ordinary of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto Diocese, Italy.

On August 14, in the evening before the holiday Cardinal Bernard Francis Law, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica s St. Mary Major led the solemn evening Mass together with the Collegium of Canonics and numerous clergy, monks, nuns and believers. Bishop Iryney Bilyk, OBSM, Canonic of Basilica helped lead the Mass.

On August 15, the day of the holiday, at 10 a.m. Cardinal Law led the Holy Mass together with Bishop Iryney Bilyk and all Collegium of Canonics, clergy, monks, nuns and believers. The Evening Mass was served at night to finish the celebrations.

In spite of the heat, the Basilica, which can hold about few thousands of people, was filled up with hundreds of monks and nuns from different confessions, believers from Italy and tourists from the whole world. The Solemn Mass was accompanied by amazing chanting of the professional male and female choirs, the orchestra and organ music.

Cardinal Law especially underlined in his speech that the Holy Mother of God after the assumption to Heaven was gloriously crowned Queen of Heaven and earth; She is the Mother of Church and constantly takes care of it. And 19 years ago on Her beautiful Holiday under cover of night it was She who called Bishop Iryney Bilyk to serve in the episcopacy of the Christ�s vineyard in Ukraine in the times of totalitarian atheistic regime. Now he is the Canonic of our Basilica and is among us. In the end Cardinal asked everyone to pray for multisuffering Ukraine and its Church-martyr.

In Basilica of St. Mary Major His Eminency, Cardinal Bernard Francis Law and His Eminency, Tomas Spidlik, the Collegium of Cardinals and clergy greeted Most Reverend Bishop Iryney Bilyk with the 19^th anniversary of bishop�s ordination.

In the morning of the same day at 7 o�clock Bishop Bilyk led the Holy Mass in the Pontifical College of St. Josaphat together with the vice-rector, Venerable Father Stephan Starepravo, OBSM and priest of the College, venerable Father Procopij Lototsky, OBSM. Most Reverend Archbishop Myroslav Marysyn and all the present in the College joined to the greetings.

Photos can be viewed here