Course 4, Chapter 47: Christianity visible. — Visitation. — Assumption

1. What feast does the church celebrate on the 2d of July?

On the 2d of July the church celebrates the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. We honor the visit of Mary to her cousin St. Elizabeth, to congratulate her on the graces with which she was favored by God.

2. By whom was the feast of the Visitation established?

It was established by Pope Urban IV, and made general in the fourteenth century by Pope Boniface the IX, to put an end to the great western schism which was desolating the church.

3. What virtues did the Blessed Virgin practice in her visitation?

She practiced many virtues which we should imitate in our conversations and visits, charity, humility, modesty, zeal for the glory of God.

4. What feast is celebrated on the 1 5th of August?

The feast of the Assumption. Mary died from an effort of love, and her body was borne to heaven without having felt the stain of corruption. The as sumption of Mary is not an article of faith, but it is a truth which no one should doubt.

5. When was the feast of the Assumption established?

404 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

A. The feast of the Assumption was established previous to the sixth century. It has always been celebrated with great pomp, and formerly it was celebrated above all with great fervor.

6. What is the office of Mary in heaven?

Her office in heaven is similar to that of our Lord. She intercedes for us, pleads our cause, and dispenses with a liberal hand the graces of God; she loves us as never mother the most tender loved her ciiild.

7. What must we do to merit her protection?

To merit her protection we must, 1st, be faith- ^il to grace, for thus Mary attained the pinnacle of f 'lory; 2d, make an offering to her each day; it matters not how small the offering, provided we persevere ii the pious practice.