August 15th’s Feast Day is The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since it falls on a Saturday this year, in the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, it is not a holy day of obligation. However, since it is still a solemnity, its joyful celebration is encouraged.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is St. Mary’s Day. The day is the greatest of all church festivals celebrated in her honor. This is the consummation of all mysteries by which her life was made wonderful. It is the birthday of her greatness, glory, and crowning of the virtues of her life. Mary’s virtues of charity, humility, purity, patience, meekness, and paying attention to God is the most perfect homage of worship. She provided love, praise, and thanksgiving to our God.
The dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was proclaimed by Pope Pius XII on November 1, 1950. The proclamation stated that when Immaculate Mother of God, Mary ever virgin’s life was finished, her body and soul were taken up to heaven right away. Her body and soul would not lie in a grave. Mary’s body and soul did not undergo the death of a sinner. She was not born with original sin. Mary’s life was filled with light which purified her body from all defilement. Both Mary and Jesus passed through the gate of death into heaven. Mary’s place in heaven abides visibly with us for our refuge, comfort, and hope. She became Queen of the Communion of Saints.
Here is some background information about Mary. She was a Jewish maiden of the House of David and of Judah. Her parents were St. Joachim and St. Anne. They were childless for many years. Mary was probably born on September 8 in Nazareth. Mary met a carpenter Joseph; they were married and through a miracle conceived Jesus. We celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem in a stable on December 25.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the fourth glorious mystery when we say the rosary.