CATHOLIC FAITH
TODAY, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast commemorates Mary’s assumption into heaven body and soul. It is one of the most popular feasts in the Catholic Church worldwide. It is considered a holy day of obligation in many countries in Europe.
The belief in the Assumption of Mary can be traced back in the earliest years of the Church but the solemnity was only formalized into a doctrine on November 1, 1950, by Pope Pius XII, who through a decree, declared: “We pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”
The feast of the Assumption of Mary highlights God’s wondrous deeds in her life and her cooperation in the work of salvation for all. In honoring Mary, we also give praise to God who enabled Mary to say “yes” to being the mother of Jesus. it is believed that her obedience and fidelity to the will of God was rewarded with his special privilege of being united with God in a special way.
Let us observe the Assumption by attending mass. Let us reflect on how we live our lives and pray that Mary continue to guide and direct us to be holy, so that when our earthly ended we will be invited to share in the glory of heaven.