The Assumption of Mary

Tommorrow, Saturday August 15th is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. First some background. Catholics, along with many other faith traditions, have long acknowledged the belief that Mary, at the end of her life, was taken up to Heaven. Many literal Bible types will ask to point to the actaul event of the Assumption in Scripture. Of course, those who understand prefigurement and typology in Scripture can point to evidence of the Assumption. Revelation 11:19 tru 12:1 would be one place to start. And all the typology in Old Testament Scripture, surrounding a Queen Mother for the Davidic kings makes some sense too.

But the Catholic Church also has tradition and TRADITION. The latter is sacred and was bestowed upon the Church by Christ. Always remember, Jesus never founded a book, he founded a Church. Of course, this is not to be misinterpreted as any slight to Sacred Scripture. By the 5th century, the Tradition of the assumption was well known. And in 1950, The Assumption was declared dogma by Pope Pius XII after many years of careful study, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This teaching, then, is one that all Catholics are obliged to believe.

The Catholic Church has been very very careful in declaring an infallible dogma. The Immaculate Conception and The Assumption are two of the three declared by the Popes.

Because the Assumption falls on a Saturday this year, the obligation to attend Mass has been abbrogated by the Bishops this year; at least in my diocese. But if it all possible, attend Mass tommorrow and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary.

*Hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among woman and blessed the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.