As Christians around the world celebrate Assumption Day, I am delighted to extend my heartfelt greetings to all Canadians observing this blessed occasion.This was a very kind gesture, and although he has questionable actions, we should we happy that a man who is the member of the "Christian and Missionary Alliance", denomination which is so unsure of it's own polity*, recognises the glory and importance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.
The feast day of the Assumption of Mary is a joyous occasion for Christian communities across the country. Marking the ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, it is a time to celebrate the fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus to all his faithful servants and the redeeming power of faith.
Canada is blessed with a diverse and devout Christian community, which forms an integral part of our country’s rich heritage. As you observe this special feast day, you are honouring values and traditions that strengthen our social fabric.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, please accept my warmest wishes for a joyous celebration.
God bless, (his signature)
Here is the PDF of the actual letter. The letter which the above quote is taken directly from. This was a kind act, and I hope the other Prime Ministers within the Commonwealth see this as an example.
Another letter was published by Jason Kenney, the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration, and Multiculturalism who is Catholic himself*^.....
Today is Assumption Day, an important celebration for Christians in Canada and around the world. Also known as the feast day of the Assumption of Mary, it is believed that on this day the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, ascended into Heaven.Another kind gesture. I just want to remind you that this in no way signals my support for these politicians, but I just admire the thoughtfulness and their recognition of the feast. I know this is old news, but it's exciting news. There are more exciting things that I could post about, but I just happened to stumble on this now.
The Catholic Church teaches ‘that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.’ On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined as dogma the doctrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven.
Assumption Day is considered to be a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation. Several other denominations of Christian churches also commemorate this day. In Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, this belief is also known as the Dormition of the Theotokos, which means the sleeping of the ‘God-bearer.’ The Anglican Church of Canada refers to it as the Falling Asleep of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Lutherans refer to this day as ‘the feast of Mary, mother of our Lord.’
This day provides Canadians with an excellent opportunity to reflect on the tremendous contributions of Canada’s diverse Christian community to our nation’s heritage.
As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I extend my best wishes for a blessed feast day to everyone celebrating today.
Here is the link to the letter on the Government of Canada website.
FOOTNOTES
* - the Christian and Missionary Alliance is a presby-congre-piscopal type group. A mish mash of the presbyterian, and congregational and episcopal governances.
*^ - there was a little bit of controversy of Jason Kenney and a letter to LGBT groups. This is questionable, but I don't know enough about it to verify anything. If someone could get me "in the know", please comment. I do know that, however, Jason Kenney was present at the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland.
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