On Monday, August 15, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Holy Day Masses

Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, will join us as celebrant and homilist at the 12:10pm Mass. Masses for the Solemnity of the Assumption also will be celebrated at 8am and 5:30pm on August 15. While there is no obligation for U. S. Catholics to attend Mass on the Solemnity of the Assumption this year (see below), all are invited and encouraged to do so. This solemnity "stands out in Ordinary Time because of its theological importance.” The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a memorial of the Mother of God that “signifies and synthesizes many of the truths of the faith." For example, in its Christologocial aspect, Our Lady assumed into heaven is “a pledge of the future participation of the members of the mystical Body of Chrst in the paschal glory of the Risen Christ.” (Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, No. 180).

CCC on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 966 (citing Lumen Gentium and the Byzantine Liturgy, Troparian), teaches:

"Finally the Immaculate Virgin, preserved free from all stain of original sin, when the course of her earthly life was finished, was taken up body and soul into heavenly glory, and exalted by the Lord as Queen over all things, so that she might be the more fully conformed to her Son, the Lord of lords and conqueror of sin and death." The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is a singular participation in her Son's Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians:

In giving birth you kept your virginity; in your Dormition you did not leave the world, O Mother of God, but were joined to the source of Life. You conceived the living God and, by your prayers, will deliver our souls from death.

Holy Days Falling on a Monday

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation. However, when a Holy Day of Obligation falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated (temporarily waived) for Catholics in the U. S. (and in other countries). The exceptions to this are Christmas and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.Therefore, as the Solemnity of the Assumption this year falls on a Monday (August 15, 2011), Catholics in the U. S. are not obligated to attend Mass. 

Let us rejoice in the Lord and celebrate this feast in honor of the Virgin Mary, at whose assumption the angels rejoice, giving praise to the Son of God.