This coming Wednesday, August 15th, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary - a holy day of obligation that requires us to attend mass. I know that sometimes this creates confusion among us as to whether it is a holy day of obligation or not.

The answer to that is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation. However, when it falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated. For instance, in 2009 it fell on Saturday and Monday in 2011 and 2016; in each of these cases, Catholics in the United States were not required to attend Mass. I say in the United States because in other countries it may not be the case. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have received permission from the Vatican to abrogate (temporarily waive) the requirement for Catholics to attend Mass on certain Holy Days of Obligation, when those Holy Days fall on either Saturday or Monday.

Now we ask why this celebration is a holy day of obligation. Well, history tells us that Mary’s Assumption has its roots in the early centuries of the Church that many Christians and saints have talked about until November 1st, 1950. Pope Pius XII defined it as dogma, which means divinely revealed truths. He declared that the Blessed Virgin Mary, having completed the course of earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.

Though the Scripture does not give an account of Mary’s Assumption into heaven, the Book of Revelation, Chapter 12 in the New Testament, speaks of a woman who is caught up in the battle between good and evil. Many see this woman as God’s people. Since Mary best embodies the people of both Old and New Testaments, her Assumption can be regarded as an exemplification of the woman’s victory.

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 believe in Mary’s share in His glorification. So close was she to Jesus on earth that she must be with him body and soul in heaven.

We can know more about our faith and our doctrines of what we believe in if we will devote a time to study. This coming Fall, from September 26th - November 14th, we will be offering a once a week adult bible study from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. This will be an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding, especially with the Bible. More details to follow in the next bulletin.