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 In the Catholic tradition, August 15 is the Solemnity
of the Assumption of Mary into heaven. This feast seems to be an appropriate
opportunity to reflect upon Mary. Thinking this way, in June Valerie
Washington, Executive Director of the National Black Catholic Congress
telephoned me about writing about Mary for the August-September Black
Catholic Monthly newsletter. Valerie excitedly said that my name came to her
as she wondered about how to present Mary in a Black Catholic publication.
Undoubtedly, my belonging to the Society of Mary had something to do with
her inspiration. Most remarkable to her was my ready yes to her request.
Since then I have fretted over my response wondering if it was too hasty. We
had a wonderful conversation about this project since both of us did not
want just a devotional article, but one that would provide some insight that
would help many African American Catholics understand better their faith
that esteems Mary in God's salvific acts.
 Although, there is a temptation to offer an
explanation of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven, I
decided to leave that to the preacher on that day or to address that
specific issue at another time. This article is titled Mary - Mother, Woman,
Disciple. These three titles -- Mother, Woman, and Disciple -- will be used
as an outline for this discussion. These three titles open into longer
phrases (themes) that form the major points of this article; Mother of the
Lord, Woman of liberating faith and Disciple of reconciling love. These
titles pick up important descriptors of the African American faith
experience. As the article unfolds, two elements of the Black faith
experience, liberation and reconciliation, will be incorporated into the
discussion.
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