The Saint Ambrose Parish Legion of Mary invite all to the Bowing Procession for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The procession will be held prior to the Vigil Mass in the Church at 6:30 pm. We will begin with the procession and pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary.
In the early centuries of the Church’s history, the Feast of the Assumption was a day of great religious processions. Starting in some small towns around Rome, a fascinating custom for this feast day is called “the bowing procession”. The statue of Mary is carried through the church symbolizing her journey to heaven. The statue of Jesus is also carried through the church. Jesus is coming to meet his mother. The procession with the statues of Jesus and Mary meet under an arch of flowers and bow three times. The decorated arch of branches and flowers represent the gates of Heaven. Mary is met by Jesus. They solemnly bow towards each other three times to remind us of Jesus welcoming His mother at the gates of heaven. Our Lord is leading His mother to her throne in heaven. This simple ceremony is a striking way of expressing our belief that after her life on earth was finished, Mary was taken up bodily into heaven symbolizing her entrance into eternal glory.
