St Patrick's RC Church
Pentrebane Street, Grangetown, Cardiff
CF11 7LJ
The Assumption of Our Blessed Lady
The feast day of the Assumption of Mary, also known as Assumption Day, is the principal feast day of the Virgin Mother Mary, according to Christian tradition. It is celebrated annually on or around August 15 although some countries celebrate the day at other times of the year.
On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith:
“We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”
The Pope proclaimed this dogma only after a broad consultation of bishops, theologians and laity. There were few dissenting voices. What the pope solemnly declared was already a common belief in the Catholic Church.
Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven, however, since Mary is closely associated with all the mysteries of Jesus’ life, it is not surprising that the Holy Spirit has led the Church to belief in Mary’s share in his glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth, she must be with him body and soul in heaven.
Prayer of Pope Pius XII
"O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God and Mother of Men, —
we believe with all the fervour of our Faith in your triumphal Assumption,
both in body and soul, into heaven
where you are acclaimed as Queen of all the choirs of angels
and all the legions of the Saints;
and we unite with them to praise and bless the Lord
Who has exalted you above all other pure creatures,
and to offer you the tribute of our devotion and our love."
Amen
(from the Assumption Prayer of Pope Pius XII)