Our Lady's Dowry

Each year when we celebrate the Assumption, my mind wanders back to my days as a student in the Anglican Theological College of Salisbury & Wells, which was located in the Cathedral Close in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. The reason for remembering those days in the early 1970's is because the glorious cathedral there is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary - and a fact unknown to many people - it was originally under the title of her glorious Assumption into heaven.

Scarcely a day went by that I didn't go into the cathedral for some purpose or other. The Theological College was mere yards away from it, and the cathedral dominated our lives. Whenever we could get away from college activities at 3:00 p.m., we knew there would always be Cathedral Evensong done in the best English tradition. I was privileged to serve occasionally as organist on the great Willis organ. During the summer I would help out as a cathedral guide when the crowds of tourists would descend.

I have so many happy and fond memories of my student days in that beautiful place. This architectural marvel (begun in 1220 and completed in 1258) was designed and built by Catholics. They dedicated it to our Lady Mary out of love for her, and to honour her Assumption.  Approximately seventy years after the building was completed, they began to construct the magnificent spire, rising up 404 feet, as a testimony to their faith in God. It was a monument pointing to heaven, and in the very top of the spire they placed a relic, a piece of cloth with which the Blessed Virgin had girded herself during her earthly life.

Every stone placed lovingly one on another spoke of the faith of those who had done it – and that faith was the Catholic faith, the faith which found its fullness by being in communion with the Vicar of Christ, the Successor of St. Peter. I scarcely thought of that while I was there, but I have many times since, and it reasserted itself when I visited a few years ago.

So I pray. I pray for the healing of the rift which came about so many hundreds of years ago, asking God that this shrine might once more reflect a nation with such devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary that it was known as "Our Lady's Dowry."

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother, look down in mercy upon England, thy Dowry, and upon us all who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour and our hope, was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross. O sorrowful Mother, intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God together with thee in our heavenly home. Amen.