Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Stored in Cargo: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
| Liturgical Feast | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | August 15 |
| Rank | Solemnity |
| Type | Fixed |
| Season | Ordinary Time |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption, Baltimore |
| Countries | Universal |
| Dioceses | |
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the solemnity in the Roman Rite that celebrates Mary’s being taken up body and soul into heavenly glory at the end of her earthly life. Proclaimed as dogma by Pope Pius XII in *Munificentissimus Deus* (1950), it is observed on August 15 according to the General Roman Calendar and ranks among the principal feasts of the liturgical year in Ordinary Time. The solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation in most dioceses worldwide, including the United States.
According to the *General Roman Calendar* (2002 edition), the Assumption is a solemnity of the highest rank, taking precedence over any Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Mass uses white vestments, with proper texts in the Missale Romanum emphasizing Mary as the firstfruits of the resurrection. The Gloria and Creed are recited, and a Vigil Mass is provided on August 14.
Though the event is not recorded in Scripture, the belief is rooted in apostolic tradition and was universally held by the 5th century.
Liturgical observance
The Mass employs white or festive vestments. The Lectionary prescribes Revelation 11:19a; 12:1–6a, 10ab (the woman clothed with the sun), 1 Corinthians 15:20–27 (Christ as firstfruits), and Luke 1:39–56 (the Magnificat). A shorter form of the Gospel is permitted. Missale Romanum (editio typica tertia ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 2002. Lectionary for Mass. III. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 2002.
The Preface of the Assumption is proper, and the Solemn Blessing for Marian feasts may be used. The Vigil Mass has its own readings (1 Chronicles 15:3–4, 15–16; 16:1–2; 1 Corinthians 15:54b–57; Luke 11:27–28). Blessing of herbs or flowers, common in some European countries, is not mandated in the universal rite but permitted locally.
History
Evidence suggests the feast originated in Jerusalem as the “Dormition of the Mother of God” by the late 5th century, celebrated on August 15 near the Tomb of Mary. The Catholic Encyclopedia. 2. Robert Appleton Company. 1907. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02006b.htm. Emperor Maurice (582–602) made August 15 official throughout the Byzantine Empire.
In Rome, the feast appeared by the 7th century in the Gelasian Sacramentary under the title “Assumption.” Pope Leo IV (847) elevated it to a holy day of obligation. The 1950 dogmatic definition confirmed the belief held *semper et ubique* (always and everywhere). The 1969 reform retained August 15 as a solemnity with Vigil."Mysterii Paschalis". Vatican. 1969-02-14. https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/motu_proprio/documents/hf_p-vi_motu-proprio_19690214_mysterii-paschalis.html. This reflects universal Roman Rite observance; Eastern churches celebrate the Dormition with a two-week fast.
Theological significance
The Assumption fulfills the promise of bodily resurrection and honors Mary’s unique role in salvation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “The Immaculate Virgin… was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory” (CCC 966). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana. 1997.
Revelation 12 symbolizes Mary as the ark and queen. 1 Corinthians 15 links her Assumption to Christ’s victory over death. Pope Pius XII declared in *Munificentissimus Deus* that Mary, preserved from sin, was exempt from corruption."Munificentissimus Deus". Vatican. 1950-11-01. https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19501101_munificentissimus-deus.html.
Veneration and traditions
Liturgical tradition holds that the Assumption is honored through Mass, Vespers, and the Angelus. According to popular devotion, the blessing of herbs on August 15 (the “Assumption bouquet”) is widespread in Germany, Austria, and Poland, symbolizing Mary as the medicinal flower of grace—though not required by the *Missale Romanum*.
Processions with Mary’s image occur in Italy, Spain, and the Philippines, but are local customs. Fireworks or bonfires in some regions cannot be confirmed as universal. The Litany of Loreto includes the title “Assumed into Heaven.”
Significant locations
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Parishes
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Shrines
Dynamic shrines
List of Shrines
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption (Baltimore)
- First cathedral in the United States (1806–1821); dedicated to the patronal feast of the nation (Archdiocese of Baltimore).
- Minor basilica; plenary indulgence on August 15 under usual conditions."Decree on U.S. Indulgences". Apostolic Penitentiary. 2009. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/tribunals/apost_penit/index.htm.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption (Aglona)
- 18th-century shrine in Latvia; site of national pilgrimage every August 15 (Archdiocese of Riga).
- Crowned image; indulgence granted on the solemnity.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock
- Site of 1879 apparition where Mary appeared with St. Joseph, St. John, and angels; Knock, Ireland (Archdiocese of Tuam).
- International shrine; indulgence on August 15 and anniversary (August 21).
References
External links
- Munificentissimus Deus – Vatican
- August 15 – Assumption – USCCB
- Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption – Official Site