Photo by Rebecca Methven
Feast of the Assumption
Our Catholic tradition teaches us that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven as a reward for her faithfulness. Her life and devotion should be an example for us.
Since the 5th Century there has been an active tradition and belief around the assumption of Mary.The tradition states that Mary was physically ‘taken up’ into heaven at the end of her life. It is believed that her soul and her body remained united. This ancient belief was defined as an infallible teaching of the Church by Pope Pius XII in 1950. It is one of only two infallible statements that have been defined as such and both related to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The feast is celebrated on August 15 and is a Holy Day of Obligation.