Hey there,
On Monday, August 15th, Catholics around the world will celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Well, some Eastern Catholics will celebrate something slightly different … more on that below.
It’s typically a Holy Day of Obligation, but not this year since it falls on a Monday.
I ran across this beautiful poem about the Assumption.
Memories of the Assumption
They bore her in a reverent group
To a holy place,
Left her body in the earth –
Her body, “full of grace.”
But Thomas, tardy, slow of foot,
Absent when she died,
Spent with sorrow, craved to see
Her of the Crucified.
There was a swift intake of breath,
A hurried silent prayer:
Startled they opened the new-made tomb
To find but lilies there.
~ Sister M. Angeline
Robert, Cyril. Our Lady’s Praise in Poetry. Poughkeepsie, NY: Marist Press, 1944.
This week’s issue of Genuflect celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by focusing on the history of the doctrine, its importance, the relevance of the feast day, how you can celebrate, and more.
You’re not required to go to Mass on Monday, but it’s still a day worthy of celebration. Enjoy!
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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History of The Assumption
The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a relatively new feast day, being proclaimed in 1950. But its belief traces back to the earliest centuries of the Church. Here’s what we know.
The History of The Assumption – And Why It’s a Holy Day of Obligation | Crux Now
12 Things to Know
Did you know that the Assumption was declared an infallible dogma by Pope Pius XII? That means that all Catholics must believe it to be true. Here are 11 other things about the Assumption.
The Assumption of Mary: 12 Things to Know And Share | National Catholic Register
5 Gems of The Assumption
In 1950, Pope Pius XII signed Defining the Dogma of the Assumption, the document defining the Assumption of Mary as dogma. It contains 48 paragraphs, but here are 5 particular gems for reflection.
Five Gems of Mary’s Assumption | Catholic Exchange
Importance of The Assumption
According to Stephen Beale, “the Assumption of Mary is not just a Catholic extra or add-on to the fundamentals of the faith. It is a vitally important teaching with deep roots in Scripture and direct relevance to our daily lives.” Here are eight ways it is significant.
8 Reasons Why The Assumption of Mary is so Important | Catholic Exchange
Ascension vs. Assumption
We celebrate Jesus’ Ascension and Mary’s Assumption. Both rise to heaven. But there’s a major difference between the two events. Here’s what you need to know.
Ascension vs. Assumption: What is The Difference? | Aleteia
3 Ways to Celebrate
Though the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was not declared until 1950, it has been celebrated for centuries. Here are 3 traditional customs you can use to honor the day.
3 Traditional Customs to Bring Back For The Feast of The Assumption | Aleteia
Sin Weighs You Down
Rob Greving points out that Mary was without sin, which essentially made her light enough to float to heaven. So the Assumption is a reminder to release the weight of all our sins.
The Grace of The Assumption | Catholic Stand
The Dormition of Mary
While we celebrate The Assumption of Mary on August 15th, in the East, they celebrate the Dormition of Mary. We’re really celebrating the same thing, but they look at it a little differently.
Why is There a Picture of The Virgin Mary Sleeping? | Aleteia
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Marian Inspiration For Your Desktop and Phone
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