Vigil Mass: August 14, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Holy Day Mass: August 15, 2024, at 6:45 am, 9:00 am, and 6:00 p.m.
History of Assumption of Mary
The holy day is celebrated annually on the 15th of August.
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a very important day in the Catholic religion. It is the principal feast of the Blessed Virgin, the mother of Jesus Christ.
This feast commemorates two events: Mary’s departure from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven.
The Church’s official doctrine of the Assumption states that at the end of her earthly life, Mary was assumed into heaven, body and soul.
It’s important to note that some may mistakenly believe Mary ‘ascended’ into heaven, which is not the case. The ascension into heaven was a unique act of Jesus Christ. Mary, on the other hand, was assumed or taken up into heaven by God.
Pope Pius Xll, in 1950 defined that Mary “after the completion of her earthly life was assumed body and soul into the glory of Heaven.” Her body wasn’t allowed to corrupt, nor was it allowed to remain in a tomb.
In the early Christian centuries, relics of saints and martyrs were highly prized and jealously guarded. Many cities claim the mortal remains of saints, both famous and lesser-known. However, it’s worth noting that there are no records of Mary’s bodily remains being venerated anywhere, further emphasizing the unique nature of her Assumption.
