Saint of the day, August 15
The solemnity points to the hope of resurrection, as Mary shares fully in the glory of her Son and draws the faithful toward eternal life with Him.
Aug. 15: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast: Aug. 15
Celebration: Solemnity
Dogma defined: Nov. 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XII
The Solemnity of the Assumption celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary being taken body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life, where she shares in the victory of her Son.
Belief in Mary’s Assumption reaches back to the early centuries of the Church. In 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly defined as dogma what Catholics had long professed: that Mary, having completed her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven.
Mary’s Assumption flows from her unique closeness to Christ. She carried Him in her womb, remained with Him throughout His earthly life, and stood faithfully beside Him at the Cross. Now, in heaven, she shares fully in the glory of His Resurrection.
The Assumption also turns our eyes toward the life God desires for each of us. In Mary, we see the promise of resurrection and the hope that our own lives are meant for eternity with Christ. Her glory points beyond herself to the greatness of God, echoing the words of her Magnificat: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”
As we celebrate Mary’s Assumption, we are invited to lift our hearts toward heaven and entrust ourselves more completely to her Son. Mary has gone before us, and her life reminds us where a life given wholly to God leads: into the joy of His presence forever.
Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us!
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