104 The Assumption of the Virgin (detail, early 16th century) Ambrogio di Stefano da Fossano, called Bergognone (c. 1453-1523) Oil and gold on wood, 95.25 x 42.5 in. Numerous churches of Lombardy are adorned with altarpieces and frescoes painted by Bergognone. This Assumption of the Virgin dates from the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is the central panel in ogival form of a large polyptych. Mary is raised to heaven by eight cherubim clothed in yellow, the color of incorruptibility. Arranged like flowers on an espalier, angel musicians render homage to the new Eve as two herald angels robed in white sound the trumpets of the resurrection. Above, like a seraphic garland, a celestial choir sings praises to the Mother of God. Even as she rises upward in her glorious Assumption, Mary receives her royal crown from two angels acting on behalf of her divine Son. With open arms, he prepares to welcome her into the highest heaven. The Lord shines out in the center of a semicircle of the ranked celestial hierarchy. Angels, archangels, principalities, powers, virtues, dominions, thrones, cherubim, seraphim, all the wonderful panoply of celestial spirits is there to pay allegiance to their Queen. What joy to see our sister in humanity reigning above the angels! In contemplating her triumph, our Christian hope is rekindled, for we too, through baptism, have been promised a share in Christ’s kingship. Though perhaps on a different scale, we may see in this lovely painting by Bergognone an image of the manner in which we will be received in heaven after our death. Thus in the trials and anguish of this life, sursum corda! lift up your hearts! for so says the Alpha and the Omega, who once died and now lives: “Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rv 2:8, 11). Whoever humbles himself will be exalted!”1 By faithfully living out these words of Jesus, his mother Mary is crowned Queen in the glory of heaven! “No servant is greater than his master”2: this servant of the Lord followed the sole Master, her Son. Through obedience, he emptied himself, deigning to take our mortal condition. And God raised him to his right hand “and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”3 The humble servant Mary also fulfilled the will of the Father, and he exalted her above all the angels, to the very heights of heaven. From now on, all ages call blessed4 the young girl whose response to God is pure “yes”: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”5 She sees her Son reign not only on the throne of David,6 but over the entire universe. Just as she consented to be a servant, she also consents to the honor of Queen, through fidelity to the love of God. The Mighty One has done great things for her!7 As we behold Mary crowned by her Son, it is the glory of the Church to come that we contemplate. This means that, like Mary, each one of us, as a member of the Body of Christ, is called to share in the glory of the kingdom of Christ Jesus for ever and ever! In contemplating God’s works that begin in the obscurity of Nazareth and come to fruition in the splendor of heaven, let us be guided by Mary, our Mother and our Queen. We wish to live and die in the hope of communion in her glory for all eternity. 1- Mt 23:12 2- Jn 15:20 3- Phil 2:9 4- Lk 1:48 5- Lk 1:38-43 6- Lk 1:33 7- Lk 1:49 Prayer God of all goodness, you willed that the mother of your Son should be our Mother and our Queen. With the help of her intercession, may we one day attain heaven and the glory promised to all your children. Through Christ our Lord. “
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