Each year on August 15th, we celebrate the Assumption of Mary, a holy day of obligation that invites the faithful to reflect on one of the most beautiful truths of our faith: that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.
What Is the Assumption of Mary?
The Assumption of Mary is the belief that at the end of her earthly life, God lifted the Blessed Virgin up into Heaven, both body and soul. It affirms Mary’s unique role in salvation history, as well as her sinless nature, which allowed her to be received into eternal life in a way that no other human being has ever experienced.
A Brief History of the Feast Day
Devotion to the Assumption dates back to at least the 6th century in both Eastern and Western Christianity. The earliest celebrations were rooted in the belief of Mary’s “Dormition” (falling asleep) and her being taken into Heaven. Over time, this tradition developed into one of the Church’s most cherished solemnities, proclaiming Mary’s glorification with her Son in Heaven and her continuing intercession for the Church on Earth.
Pope Pius XII formally declared the Assumption as a dogma of the Church in 1950, although the belief had been cherished by Christians for centuries before this formal declaration.
When Is the Assumption Celebrated?
The Church celebrates the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. As a holy day of obligation, Catholics are called to attend Mass each year on this day.
Celebrating the Assumption of Mary
The Assumption is the perfect opportunity to draw closer to our Blessed Mother and seek her expert guidance on our spiritual journey.
Attend Mass
The most important way to observe this holy day is by participating in the Mass. Whether at your local parish or online through our daily Mass livestreams, attending Mass and using this time to reflect on Mary’s life and faith is an excellent way to celebrate the day.
Pray a Marian Devotion
Consider praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, focusing especially on the mystery of the Assumption. Other beautiful prayers to request Mary’s intercession include the Hail Mary prayer and the Magnificat.
Spend Time in Eucharistic Adoration
In honor of the Blessed Virgin’s closeness to Jesus, spend time in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, asking Mary to lead you more deeply into the heart of her Son.
Consecrate Your Day to Mary
Begin your day with a Marian consecration prayer or renew your personal consecration if you’ve already made one. Offer your joys, work, and struggles to Mary, that she may present them perfectly to God.
Total Consecration Through The Mysteries Of The Rosary by Fr. Ed Broom, OMV, offers a powerful do-it-yourself retreat that culminates in the total consecration to Jesus through Mary by focusing on the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
Share Mary’s Story with Others
Use this day to share the beauty of Mary’s Assumption with family and friends. Whether it’s inviting someone to Mass or explaining the meaning of the feast, today (and every day) presents a new opportunity to evangelize through your words and example.
A Model of Hope and Holiness
The Assumption of Mary is more than a celebration of her being taken to Heaven. It is a promise of what awaits all who are faithful, reminding us that the path of holiness leads to eternal life. In Mary, we see the first and greatest disciple of Christ, and we are called to imitate her faith, humility, and love.
Let us rejoice in this holy day and entrust ourselves anew to Mary’s maternal care.
“Salve, Regina, mater misericordiae;
Vita, dulcedo et spes nostra salve.
Ad te clamamus, exsules filii Hevae.
Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes
in hac lacrimarum valle.
Eia ergo, advocata nostra,
illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte.
Et Jesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui,
nobis post hoc exsilium ostende.
O clemens, o pia, o dulcis Virgo Maria.”
— Salve Regina hymn
How do you honor the Assumption of Mary? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
