Why We Celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary, the Mother of God, is a highly celebrated figure in the Catholic faith. Known as Our Lady of the Rosary, Blessed Mother, and in this case, the Blessed Virgin Mary, her unyielding faith and ties to Jesus inspire Christians around the world. Because of this, many Catholic feasts and holidays honor her. One of those is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which takes place each year on August 15.
What is the Assumption?
An “assumption” simply means that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was assumed (or taken) into heaven following her life on Earth. In 1946, Pope Pius XII consulted with Bishops, clergy and the People of God about the possibility of creating an Assumption Feast day, and most of those asked agreed. Pope Pius XII officially defined this teaching as a divinely revealed dogma in 1950.
Origins of the Feast
Before Pope Pius XII established the feast of the Assumption of Mary, there were similar days observed known as the “Memory of Mary” and the “Falling Asleep” of the Mother of God. The “Assumption” name came to be partly to say that there was more to Mary than her death. The mysteries of her life, such as her divine motherhood, should also be celebrated. Mary’s life was a perfect union with Jesus’s destiny, and she was by His side during His life and saving work.
How to Celebrate
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation, so Catholics must attend Mass. Once Mass is over, the faithful are encouraged to refrain from working or making others work for them. To honor Mary for her feast, you can also decorate a Feast of the Assumption table with a Mary statue, a candle and fresh cut flowers.
At our school, we teach children about all the Catholic feasts and Holy Days of Obligation. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville Catholic school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.