Today, August 15th, is the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Two quick things:

1) Holy Day of Obligation means GO TO MASS! So go.

2) Why do we celebrate this feast and why does it matter to us?

As with all other markedly Catholic celebrations, the Assumption of Mary has a rich tradition. If you want to read all the details, check out this article: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02006b.htm

In short, we’re pretty sure that the celebration of the feast is at least 1500 years old. However, the dogma of the Assumption is just under 60 years old. Remember that dogma is a truth, regarding faith or morals, that has been formally defined by the Church.

The feast illustrates two major points and has many spiritual nuances. First, it’s a celebration of the joyous departure of Mary from this life (recall that most feast days of Saints fall on the day their death). Second, it reminds us that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. This contrasts how only the souls of the faithful will enter heaven and elevates Mary as the Queen of Heaven. Mary’s body, since she was free from all stain of original sin was taken up to heaven as well.

How is your devotion to Mary? Celebrate her life as the vessel by which our Lord entered this world. Celebrate her as Queen of Heaven. Ask her to help you reach for the eternal glory of Heaven.

Saint Mary, pray for us.