
The Fascinating History of the Solemnity of Mary’s Assumption
The Church teaches that when Mary ended her earthly life, God assumed her, body and soul, into heaven.
The Church teaches that when Mary ended her earthly life, God assumed her, body and soul, into heaven.
Every evening, for the past two weeks, he has led a meditative Rosary and the celebration of Mass, on the altar of one of the forgotten mountain churches, to end on the feast day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
In his reflection before leading the Marian prayer, Pope Francis drew on the day’s Gospel reading — St. Luke’s account of Mary’s visitation.
‘Like the Virgin, am I able to discern the work of God?’ the Pope posited on the solemnity.
SCRIPTURES & ART: The Solemnity of the Assumption is a ‘little Easter,’ reminding us that Jesus’ Resurrection was not just a one-time event but the start of a process intended to enfold the whole of humanity
This week we will celebrate St. Dominic, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, St. Lawrence, St. Clare of Assisi, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, St. Hippolytus and the Assumption of Our Lady.
Homily for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Mary’s secret is humility,” Pope Francis said, noting that the poet Dante called the Virgin Mary “humbler and loftier than any creature.”
COMMENTARY: Mary’s assumption is not ‘just’ a special privilege for her, ‘conceived without sin.’ It tells us that what began with Jesus’ resurrection, already realized body and soul in Mary, is what God intends for all ‘who love him.’
For nearly two millennia, pilgrims have venerated Mary’s Tomb.
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